Bicycle Chain Inner Link Plate Extended Edge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mountain bicycles experience chain disengagement from the front sprocket due to axial movement caused by wider gaps between outer link plates, leading to inconvenience and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The inner link plate design features an extended edge portion that reduces the gap between the chain and sprocket tooth, minimizing axial movement and disengagement by configuring the inner link plate with a longitudinal centerline, first and second inner-link end portions, and intermediate portions, which include extended edges to contact the sprocket tooth and outer link plates, thereby reducing clearance and play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gap between outer link plates is made wider to facilitate chain movement and engagement with sprockets, then the ease of operation is improved, but the axial movement of the chain increases causing the chain to fall off the sprocket
Solution Approach 1:
The extended edge portion of the inner link plate acts as an intermediary element between the outer link plates and the sprocket tooth. It fills the axial gap created by wider outer link plate spacing, preventing excessive axial movement while maintaining smooth chain engagement with the sprocket.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the axial movement problem by adding structural extension in the axial dimension. The extended edge portion protrudes axially from the inner link plate to compensate for the wider gaps between outer link plates, effectively reducing the axial play without restricting lateral movement needed for engagement.
2Reliability
If the extended edge portion is added to the inner link plate to reduce axial movement, then the reliability of chain retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of redesigning the entire inner link plate, the solution applies local quality by adding an extended edge portion only at the specific location where axial movement occurs. This localized modification reduces complexity compared to a complete structural redesign while effectively addressing the retention problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner link plate is segmented into functional zones: the main body for structural integrity and the extended edge portion for axial movement control. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An inner link plate for a bicycle chain is provided. The inner link plate may have a longitudinal centerline defining a longitudinal direction and comprising a first inner-link end portion including a first inner-link opening having a first inner-link center axis, a second inner-link end portion including a second inner-link opening having a second inner-link center axis parallel to the first inner-link center axis, and an inner-link intermediate portion interconnecting the first inner-link end portion and the second inner-link end portion. The first inner-link end portion may have an extended edge portion extending to be away from the second inner-link end portion in the longitudinal direction.