Two-Piece Chain Guide With Tool-Free Magnetic Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riders face challenges in minimizing chain disengagement from the chain ring, especially when riding in remote areas where tools are not readily available, due to varying chain ring sizes and angles, and debris accumulation, which complicates chain guide attachment and removal.
Innovation Solution
A chain guide assembly with a bracket and releasable legs that use interfitting projections and channels, along with a lock mechanism, allowing for tool-free adjustment and secure positioning, including magnetic attraction for easy detachment and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chain guides are fixed securely to prevent chain disengagement, then chain reliability is improved, but ease of removal and reinstallation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide assembly is divided into separate components: a bracket that remains attached to the bicycle frame, and removable leg portions that can be detached and reattached. This segmentation allows the guide to maintain secure chain engagement through the bracket while enabling easy removal of the leg portions for cleaning or replacement without requiring tool removal of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic removable structure. The legs can be moved between a locked engaged position (providing secure chain guidance) and a removed position (allowing access to the chain and frame). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining secure engagement and enabling easy removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chain guides are made adjustable for different chain ring angles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different chain ring sizes and angles. The slot configuration and leg positioning allow the same bracket assembly to work with various chain ring configurations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
3Reliability
If chain guides are secured firmly to prevent chain loss, then chain reliability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is segmented into a permanent bracket portion and removable leg portions. This allows the legs to be easily removed for cleaning chain cavities or replacing worn components while the bracket remains securely mounted. The segmentation enables maintenance without compromising the secure chain guidance provided by the bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable legs can be extracted from the bracket for separate cleaning or replacement. This extraction capability allows riders to access and clean the chain cavities and maintain the chain guide without removing the entire assembly from the bicycle frame, thus maintaining reliability while facilitating easy maintenance.
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 solution effectively minimizes chain disengagement by allowing tool-free removal and reinstallation of the chain guide, ensuring secure chain engagement and reducing the risk of chain loss during riding, even in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
The lock may comprise at least one magnet. The lock may comprise a magnetically attracted material.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket and a chain guide assembly. The chain guide assembly includes an inboard leg, an outboard leg, and a lock. The lock may be configured to allow a rider to remove the outboard leg of the chain guide assembly without tools.