Chain Tensioner with Discrete Alignment for Single-Tool Adjustment
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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 tension and alignment, posing a risk during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A chain tensioner device with a headless bolt and spring ball mechanism that allows single-tool operation and 360-degree rotation, featuring a discretization mechanism with retractable balls or a plunger and slots for precise tension adjustment and alignment, eliminating the need for a safety nut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional nut and safety nut system is used for chain tension regulation, then the chain tension can be regulated, but the operation requires two tools and becomes complex and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the safety nut from the traditional nut-safety nut system. By removing this redundant component, the system becomes simpler and requires only one tool for operation, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the nut and safety nut into a single integrated component. The retaining element combines the fastening function with the retention function, allowing the entire tension regulation operation to be performed with one tool, thus improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If visual marks are used for shaft alignment, then the alignment can be achieved, but the precision is low and requires guessing to ensure identical positioning on both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a feedback mechanism through the discretization system with retractable elements and slots. Each slot position provides tactile and visual feedback about the shaft's angular position, allowing the operator to precisely replicate the same position on both sides of the wheel without guessing, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the visual mark system with a mechanical discretization system. Instead of relying on visual alignment marks that require guessing, the retractable elements engage with precisely positioned slots to provide mechanical stops at specific angular intervals, enabling accurate shaft alignment through tactile feedback and eliminating the need for visual estimation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a headless bolt with retractable element is used, then single-tool operation is enabled and 360-degree rotation is allowed, but the bolt structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The headless bolt with retractable element serves multiple functions: it acts as a fastening element, a positioning element through the discretization slots, and allows 360-degree rotation for tool access. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable element dynamically engages and disengages with the slots depending on the bolt's rotational position. This dynamic behavior allows the bolt to be inserted, rotated freely for tool access, and then locked into precise positions, providing adaptability while the simple retractable-spring mechanism keeps the overall device complexity low
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 with reduced complexity, enabling users to perform the operation independently without specialized tools, ensuring correct shaft alignment and improved safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism that stores and releases energy to retract the ball into the adjustment bolt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Chain tensioner device that, applicable to be dually incorporated on both sides of the rear wheel (2) of the motorcycle or vehicle on which it is installed comprises: a threaded bolt (3) for adjusting the chain, that remains inserted in a part (4) integral with the wheel shaft (5), arranged in horizonal position, so that the tip (3a) of the said 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 the gap between both parts (4, 6) to regulate the chain tension and 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 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.