Chain Tensioner with Discrete Bolt Positioning for Shaft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chain tension regulation systems for motorcycles and bicycles with chain gear are complex, requiring two tools and relying on visual marks for alignment, making it difficult for amateur operators to achieve accurate shaft alignment, thereby posing a risk during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A chain tensioner device with a threaded bolt integrated into the wheel shaft and a discretization mechanism, allowing single-tool operation and precise alignment through a retractable element and spring mechanism, eliminating the need for a safety nut and enabling 360-degree tool rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two screws with nuts and safety nuts are used to regulate chain tension, then the chain tension can be regulated, but the operation becomes complicated requiring two tools and difficult handling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the safety nut from the regulation system, extracting only the essential components needed for tension regulation. This eliminates the need for two tools while maintaining the reliability of chain tension control, as the simplified system with one screw and one tool achieves the same functional outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple components into a unified system where the single screw integrates the regulatory function, and the guideways merge the alignment and positioning functions. This consolidation reduces the number of tools needed from two to one, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining regulation reliability.
2Reliability
If visual marks are used for shaft alignment, then the alignment can be achieved, but the precision is low requiring guessing and leading to incorrect alignment by amateur operators
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the visual mark alignment system with a mechanical guideway system. The guideways provide physical constraints that guide the shaft into correct alignment automatically, eliminating the need for visual estimation and guessing. This mechanical substitution ensures high precision alignment regardless of the operator's skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideways are designed to self-align the shaft through their geometric constraints. When the components are assembled, the guideways automatically guide the shaft into the correct position without requiring the operator to make adjustments or guesses about alignment, making the system self-correcting and foolproof.
3Reliability
If two tools are used to hold safety nut and rotate nut, then the chain tension can be regulated, but the handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the safety nut from the system, eliminating the need for a second tool to hold it. The single screw design allows the regulatory nut to be operated with one tool while the shaft is secured by the guideway structure, reducing tool requirements from two to one while maintaining regulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideway structure serves multiple functions: it secures the shaft position, provides alignment guidance, and acts as the securing mechanism that previously required a separate safety nut. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional tools, simplifying the overall device while maintaining regulatory reliability.
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
Facilitates easy and accurate chain tension regulation, allowing users to perform the operation independently without specialized workshops, ensuring correct alignment and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises at least a retractable element (8) either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) that contacts and is fitted in one of a series of slots (11)
Implementation Method 2
a threaded bolt for adjusting the chain, that remains inserted in a part integral with the wheel shaft, arranged in horizontal position, so that tightening or loosening the said bolt determines the push or not of the integral part to the opposite end of the gear
Data Source
AI summary
A chain tensioner device includes: a threaded bolt (3) for adjusting tension on a chain, that remains inserted in a part (4) integral with the wheel shaft (5), arranged in horizontal position, so that the tip (3a) of the bolt (3), presses on a second part (6) integral at the opposite end of the gear, so that tightening or loosening the bolt (3) determines a gap between both parts (4, 6) to regulate the tension and a discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) that includes at least a retractable element (8) either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) that contacts and is fitted in one of the series of slots (11) provided either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) so that it is possible to know the tightening or loosening of the bolt (3) applicable in each action.