Chain Guide Frame With Gravity-Based Sprocket Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain guide assembly frames in timing systems face issues with increased component count leading to higher costs and potential detachment of driven sprockets due to insufficient chain tension, especially during assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified chain guide assembly frame design featuring a main body with integrated sprocket holding portions and a pivoting chain guide, where the sprocket holding portions include multiple support points to ensure stable positioning of driven sprockets, utilizing gravity vectors to maintain sprocket alignment even with insufficient chain tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain stopper guide is provided separately from the main body and connected by a spring, then the driven sprocket can be held in position, but the number of components increases leading to cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the chain stopper guide function directly into the main body structure, eliminating the separate chain stopper guide component and its connecting spring. The main body is designed with integrated guide surfaces and positioning features that perform both the main body functions and the chain stopper guide functions, thereby reducing component count while maintaining sprocket positioning reliability.
2Device complexity
If only a sprocket holding portion is provided without additional chain tensioning mechanisms, then the structure is simplified, but the driven sprocket may detach due to insufficient chain tension during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sprocket holding portion with pre-configured guide surfaces and positioning features that automatically engage the driven sprocket in the correct position during assembly. The guide surfaces are shaped to naturally guide the sprocket into place, and the positioning features are pre-positioned to provide immediate retention, eliminating the need for separate tensioning mechanisms while ensuring reliable sprocket retention from the moment of assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple support portions are provided for the driven sprocket, then the sprocket can be reliably positioned, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple support portions for the driven sprocket directly into the main body structure as integral features rather than separate components. The guide surfaces, positioning features, and support portions are formed as part of the main body manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while providing reliable multi-point support for the sprocket.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively prevents sprocket detachment and maintains correct positional relationships, ensuring reliable assembly and operation without the need for additional tools or components, reducing misalignment and operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
When the driven sprocket is in an erected state in which the driven sprocket is supported simultaneously by the first fixed-guide-side support portion and the second fixed-guide-side support portion, a vector of gravity acting on the driven sprocket has a direction pointing between the first contact point and the second contact point
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a simple-structured chain guide assembly frame capable of reliably maintaining a correct positional relationship between a driven sprocket and a sprocket holding portion without the possibility of driven sprocket detachment. The chain guide assembly frame includes a main body having a fixed-guide-side sprocket holding portion and a pivoting-guide-side sprocket holding portion. The fixed-guide-side sprocket holding portion includes a first fixed-guide-side support portion that supports a driven sprocket at a first contact point, and a second fixed-guide-side support portion that supports the driven sprocket at a second contact point located more outside than the first contact point. When the driven sprocket is in an erected state in which the driven sprocket is supported at the first contact point and second contact point, the vector of gravity acting on the gravity center of the driven sprocket points between the first contact point and second contact point.