Chain Separator for Bicycle Balance Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclists face challenges in training for balancing on a single bicycle wheel due to the chain interfering with the balancing exercise or causing damage when disengaged, as the chain may hang and swing, leading to improper balance technique practice.

Innovation Solution

A chain separator device that disengages the chain from the sprocket by positioning it on an outer surface, using projections and tabs to secure the chain and sprocket, preventing interference and damage during training exercises.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the chain is disengaged from the sprocket to prevent interference with balancing exercise, then the balance training experience is improved, but the chain may hang and swing causing damage to the bicycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance training experienceVSAvoidchain interference and damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a chain separator as an intermediary device that positions the chain away from the sprocket and training apparatus. The separator includes a body with a chain receiving portion that holds the chain in a controlled position, preventing it from swinging or interfering with the balancing exercise while maintaining safe distance from moving components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the chain from its functional engagement with the sprocket during training operations. By using the chain separator to physically separate and reposition the chain away from the sprocket and training apparatus, the harmful interference is eliminated while the essential training function remains intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the chain is removed completely from the bicycle to achieve authentic balancing training, then the balance training authenticity is improved, but the bicycle structure is compromised and chain security is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing exercise authenticityVSAvoidchain security and bicycle integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the chain management function into distinct components: the chain separator body, the chain receiving portion, and the positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows the chain to be independently managed and positioned away from the training apparatus while remaining attached to the bicycle, providing both authenticity and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chain separator serves as an intermediary device that maintains the chain's connection to the bicycle while positioning it in a safe, non-interfering location. This mediator approach preserves both the bicycle's structural integrity and the authenticity of the balancing training by preventing chain interference without requiring complete chain removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12258090B2Chain separator for manual bike training

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 TILT IND LLC

AI summary

A chain separator for separating a chain of a bicycle from a sprocket of the bicycle. The chain separator includes a body defining an outer surface and at least one projection extending from the body to define a sprocket channel. The chain is disengaged from the sprocket and positioned on the outer surface and the chain separator is positioned on the bicycle such that the sprocket is positioned within the sprocket channel.