Coaxial Rear Derailleur with Rotating Adapter for Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear derailleurs on bicycles face challenges in maintaining correct alignment and tension due to impacts and shocks from uneven terrain, leading to potential chain slippage and misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A coaxial rear derailleur design with a base element and adapter nut system that allows for precise adjustment and fixation on the bicycle frame, utilizing a spring element and friction-fit entrainment to maintain chain tension and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the rear derailleur is fixed rigidly on the bicycle frame, then the alignment precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage risk from impacts and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rear derailleur rotatable relative to the bicycle frame through a threaded connection mechanism. This allows the derailleur to dynamically adjust its position and absorb impacts by rotating, rather than being rigidly fixed. The threaded connection enables controlled movement that maintains alignment while accommodating shocks from uneven terrain, resolving the contradiction between rigid alignment and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the rear derailleur is made adjustable to accommodate impacts, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to potential misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through the threaded connection mechanism that allows the derailleur to rotate and adjust its position in response to impacts. The mechanism provides continuous adjustment capability, enabling the system to maintain proper alignment by responding to changing conditions. This feedback loop ensures that reliability is improved through adjustability while alignment precision is maintained through controlled, incremental adjustments rather than random movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a friction-fit connection is used between the adapter nut and mounting portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength deteriorates due to potential loosening under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-tensioning the threaded connection between the adapter nut and mounting portion. The friction-fit interface is designed with predetermined contact surfaces and tension characteristics that provide initial stability. This preliminary configuration ensures that the connection can be easily adjusted through friction while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand operational loads, as the pre-established mechanical interface prevents excessive loosening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution ensures reliable chain tension and alignment, reducing the risk of chain slippage and improving shifting performance, even under adverse conditions such as uneven terrain.

Implementation Method 1

The chain guide is elastically pretensioned in a rotating direction, specifically in the direction of a tension of the chain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one engagement element which facilitates an indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut... and at least one of a) the first arm of the base element, b) the axial internal side of the mounting portion and c) the adapter bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12221191B2Rear derailleur
Publication Date: 2025.02.11 SRAM
  • US12221191B2 patent drawing
  • US12221191B2 patent drawing
  • US12221191B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rear derailleur is provided for the coaxial attachment on a portion of a bicycle frame rear tail while using an adapter that includes an adapter bolt and an adapter nut and has a dual-arm base element, a pivoting mechanism, a movable element and a chain guide assembly. The reference is distinguished by at least one engagement element which facilitates an indirect frictional engagement between the adapter nut, on the one hand, and at least one of a) an inner first arm of the base element, b) an axial internal side of the mounting portion and c) the adapter bolt, on the other hand. Said engagement element, in a defined pre-assembled state, acts in the sense of a reinforcement of a consequential rotational force being able to be exerted on the base element by the adapter bolt and the adapter nut.