Bicycle Chain Outer Link Plate Recessed Edge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle chains face challenges in smooth shifting operations due to interference with sprockets, leading to inefficiencies and potential weight increases, as existing designs do not optimally manage link distances and recessed edges to minimize interference and maximize efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle chain features a unique outer link plate design with strategically positioned recessed edges and varying link distances, allowing for reduced interference with sprockets during shifting, enhancing smooth operation and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bicycle chain uses traditional outer link plate design, then the structure is simple, but the chain interferes with sprockets during shifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The outer link plate incorporates recessed edges at specific locations to create local variations in the plate geometry. These recesses are strategically positioned to clear sprocket teeth during shifting operations, allowing the chain to move smoothly between sprockets without interference while maintaining the overall simplicity of the link plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer link plate is divided into distinct functional zones: end portions that engage with pins and inner link plates, intermediate portions that provide structural continuity, and recessed edges that enable sprocket clearance. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the conflict between structural integrity and shifting smoothness.
2Ease of operation
If the bicycle chain increases link distances to reduce sprocket interference, then shifting improves, but the chain weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly increasing link distances throughout the chain, the invention applies localized recesses only where needed on the outer link plates to clear sprocket teeth during shifting. This targeted approach provides the necessary clearance for smooth shifting while minimizing the overall weight increase, as the recesses are confined to specific areas rather than requiring a complete redesign of the entire link plate geometry.
3Productivity
If the bicycle chain uses recessed edges to minimize sprocket interference, then shifting efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed edges are incorporated into the outer link plate design as localized geometric features rather than complex mechanical structures. These recesses can be formed using standard metal forming and machining processes during normal production, adding minimal complexity to the manufacturing workflow while significantly improving shifting efficiency by enabling smoother chain movement over sprocket teeth.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first intermediate portion. The first end portion, the second end portion and the first intermediate portion defines a first outer peripheral edge. The first outer peripheral edge comprises a first end edge, a second end edge, a pair of first intermediate edges, and a first recessed edge. The first end edge extends about the first end portion. The second end edge extends about the second end portion. The pair of first intermediate edges extends along the first intermediate portion between the first end edge and the second end edge. The first recessed edge is provided between the first end edge and one of the first intermediate edges.