Bicycle Tensioner with Guide Surface Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle tensioner systems lack an efficient mechanism to adjust tension dynamically in response to relative movements between base members, leading to potential misalignment and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle tensioner apparatus comprising a first and second base member, with a tensioner that is movably coupled to both, allowing adjustment of tension through a guide surface and guide follower mechanism, and optionally incorporating support members and pulleys to stabilize and guide the driving-force transmitting member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed tensioner system is used, then the structure is simple, but the tension cannot be adjusted dynamically in response to relative movements between base members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic tension adjustmentVSAvoidtensioner mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioner is made movable relative to the base members through a guide surface and guide follower mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and apply tension in response to relative movements between the first and second base members, transforming a static system into a dynamic adaptive one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide surface and guide follower act as intermediary elements between the base members and the tensioner, enabling the tensioner to respond to base member movements without direct rigid connection, thus achieving dynamic tension adjustment while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the tensioner is rigidly coupled to both base members, then the structure is stable, but misalignment occurs when base members move relative to each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidresponse to base member movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioner is made movable relative to the base members through a guide surface and guide follower mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and apply tension in response to relative movements between the first and second base members, transforming a static system into a dynamic adaptive one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide surface provides a flexible contact interface that allows the tensioner to move and align itself relative to the base members, accommodating relative movements without rigid constraints that would cause misalignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex tension adjustment mechanism is implemented, then tension can be adjusted, but the device becomes overly complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide surface and guide follower act as intermediary elements between the base members and the tensioner, enabling the tensioner to respond to base member movements without direct rigid connection, thus achieving dynamic tension adjustment while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioner automatically adjusts its position and applies tension in response to relative movements between base members through the guide surface mechanism, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10486770B2Bicycle tensioner apparatus and bicycle tensioner

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle tensioner apparatus comprises a first base member, a second base member, and a tensioner. The second base member is movably coupled to the first base member. The tensioner is configured to contact a driving-force transmitting member to apply tension to the driving-force transmitting member. The tensioner is coupled to both the first base member and the second base member. The tensioner is movable relative to at least one of the first base member and the second base member in response to a relative movement between the first base member and the second base member.