Chainring Adapter Assembly for Adjustable Bicycle Chainline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain drives for bicycles and e-bikes have complex structures that are difficult to produce and mount, and they lack flexibility in adjusting the chainline for different gear configurations.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a drive shaft and chainring, featuring an annular adapter with varying axial extensions and connecting elements that allow for easy adjustment of the chainring's plane relative to the drive shaft, enabling flexible chainline configuration and easy replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex chainring mounting system with multiple components is used, then the chainring can be securely attached to the drive shaft, but the structure becomes difficult to produce and mount
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the mounting interface for the drive shaft, the connecting interface for the chainring, and the axial positioning mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining secure attachment, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mounting bracket, a positioning element, and a connecting piece. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall structure while ensuring reliable chainring attachment to the drive shaft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed chainring mounting position is used, then the structure is simple, but the chainline cannot be adjusted for different gear configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates adjustable axial positioning through threaded connection, allowing the chainring mounting position to be dynamically changed. This enables chainline adjustment for different gear configurations while maintaining a relatively simple mounting system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter allows changing the axial position parameter of the chainring relative to the drive shaft. By adjusting this positional parameter, different chainline configurations can be achieved to accommodate various gear setups, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different mounting system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional chainring mounting methods are used, then the components are standardized, but assembly and disassembly require multiple steps and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into modular components: the adapter that attaches to the drive shaft and the chainring that attaches to the adapter. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly by simply detaching one module from another, improving ease of operation while keeping each module relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the drive shaft and the chainring. This mediator simplifies the assembly process by providing standardized interfaces on both sides, allowing quick attachment and detachment without requiring complex multi-step procedures or specialized tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system comprising a drive shaft (21) and a chainring (1), wherein the drive shaft (21) has a splined interface (22) for attaching the chainring (1) in a rotationally fixed manner. The drive system has an annular adapter (2) having a radially inner surface with an interface (20) engaging the splined interface (22) of the drive shaft (21) and a radially outer region with at least one first connecting element, wherein the chainring (1) has at least one second connecting element configured to engage the first connecting element, wherein the drive system comprises a first annular adapter (2) with a first axial extension defining a first axial distance between the interface (20) and the first connecting element and a second annular adapter with a second axial extension defining a second axial distance between the interface (20) and the first connecting element.