Bicycle Chain Stabilizer With One-Way Clutch Tension Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle stabilizers fail to effectively maintain chain tension on uneven roads, leading to frequent chain falls and jamming due to excessive resetting force from elastic springs.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer comprising a receiving device, a guide plate element connected to the chain via an elastic element, and a clutch device providing one-way resistance to maintain chain tension, ensuring the chain remains securely in place during jouncing and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional stabilizer uses only an elastic spring to tension the chain, then the chain can be tensioned during riding, but the resetting force is too large causing the chain to fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer employs a dynamic clutch mechanism that allows the guide plate to rotate freely in one direction (when chain tension increases) while providing resistance in the opposite direction (during resetting). This dynamic behavior adapts the stabilizer's characteristics based on the direction of force, preventing the chain from falling off during resetting while maintaining tension during riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the force resistance parameter of the stabilizer based on the direction of movement. The clutch device provides different resistance characteristics: free rotation when the guide plate moves in the chain-tensioning direction, and controlled resistance when moving in the opposite direction. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing high chain tension while preventing excessive resetting force.
2Ease of operation
If the guide plate element rotates freely under elastic force, then the chain can be tensioned, but the chain is easy to fall off during resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch device acts as an intermediary between the guide plate and the receiving device. It mediates the interaction by allowing free rotation in one direction while providing controlled resistance in the other direction. This intermediary mechanism enables the guide plate to rotate easily for chain tensioning while preventing uncontrolled movement that would cause chain falls during resetting.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the stabilizer provides strong resetting force through elastic spring, then the chain returns to position, but the chain falls off due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism transforms the stabilizer from a static elastic spring system to a dynamic system with direction-dependent characteristics. During resetting, the clutch provides controlled resistance that allows the chain to return to position gradually, preventing the excessive force that causes chain falls while still achieving the return to position function.
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 stabilizer effectively maintains chain tension over time, preventing chain falls and jamming by rotating the guide plate element to tension the chain and providing resistance when moving in the opposite direction, enhancing chain stability during bicycle rides on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
a guide plate element (14) connected with a chain (B), the guide plate element (14) movably mounted on the receiving device (A) and performing a rotation state through an elastic element (C)
Implementation Method 2
a clutch device (D) mounted on the receiving device (A), connected with the guide plate element (14) and providing one-way resistance in a rotating process of the guide plate element (14) relative to the receiving device (A)
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizer includes a receiving device, a guide plate element for connection with a chain, and a clutch device. The guide plate element is movably mounted on the receiving device and performing a rotation state through an elastic element. The clutch device is mounted on the receiving device and connected with the guide plate element and used for providing one-way resistance. When a vehicle body jounces, the guide plate element rotates upwardly under force, the chain is tensioned, and the clutch device is in a free rotation state. When the guide plate element moves towards an opposite direction under force, the clutch device provides one-way resistance, so that the guide plate element can maintain a tensioning state of the chain for a longer time, and the effect of stabilizing the chain is achieved.