Rotatable Backing Wheel Chain Tool for Pin Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chain tools are unable to accommodate chains of different internal and external widths, leading to misalignment, pin breakage, and incompatibility with high-tolerance chains like ten-speed and eleven-speed chains, due to their fixed bridge design and inadequate support for the pin component.

Innovation Solution

A chain tool with a rotatable backing wheel featuring multiple channels for different chain sizes, a pin support sleeve to guide and secure the pin, and a magnet to ensure proper alignment, along with a drive screw assembly that includes an alignment sleeve to prevent pin breakage and ensure concentric operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a narrow bridge is used to accommodate single-speed chains, then the tool can handle traditional chains, but it cannot precisely handle high-tolerance ten-speed and eleven-speed chains and is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different chain sizesVSAvoidpin breakage and tool damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backing wheel is segmented into multiple channels with different spacing configurations. Each channel is designed for specific chain types (single-speed, eight-speed, nine-speed, ten-speed, eleven-speed), allowing the tool to adapt to different chain widths while maintaining proper alignment and preventing pin breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable backing wheel integrates multiple channel configurations into a single component, making one tool capable of handling multiple chain types. The wheel can be rotated to present the appropriate channel spacing for the specific chain being worked on, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bridge design is used, then the tool structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate chains of different internal and external widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different chain widthsVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backing wheel is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of channel orientation. This enables the same physical structure to present different channel spacings depending on the rotation position, accommodating various chain widths without requiring multiple fixed bridge designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of changing the bridge structure in multiple directions to accommodate different chain widths, the solution rotates the backing wheel around a vertical axis. This adds a rotational dimension to the otherwise fixed bridge structure, allowing multiple chain size accommodations through simple rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the pin is supported only axially, then the tool structure is simple, but the pin is susceptible to bending and breaking due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepin alignment and supportVSAvoidpin breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An alignment sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the pin and the axial support structure. The sleeve provides radial alignment and guidance, ensuring the pin remains concentric with the drive screw while still allowing axial movement. This intermediary element prevents misalignment-induced bending and breaking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 tool effectively supports and aligns pins across various chain sizes, reducing breakage and ensuring precise operation, enabling the handling of single-speed through eleven-speed chains without damage to the tool or chain.

Implementation Method 1

The bridge includes a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8166745B2Tool for extracting and inserting pins of roller chains

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 STARWINN CYCLE CORP

AI summary

A tool for inserting and extracting pins of roller chains includes a body having a bridge adapted to engage a chain and a drive screw assembly coupled to the main body on a first side of the bridge. The drive screw assembly includes a drive screw which is rotatable to provide a force and a pin mounted concentrically within the drive screw. The drive screw assembly further includes an alignment sleeve that surrounds the pin mounted concentrically within the drive screw. The alignment sleeve guides and supports the pin up to a face of a roller chain. The tool further includes a rotatable backing wheel coupled to the main body on a second side of the bridge. The rotatable backing wheel includes multiple channels such that the multiple channels correspond to different roller chains having different sizes.