Decoupling Hub and Derailleur Assembly for Suspension Chain Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear suspension systems on bicycles cause chain tightness issues due to suspension-induced chain growth, leading to detrimental performance impacts and rider feedback through the pedals.
Innovation Solution
A disengageable derailleur assembly with a P-Knuckle assembly and cage assembly that selectively engages and disengages based on terrain, rider input, and sensor feedback, using electromagnetic forces and sensors to manage chain tension and suspension performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rear suspension articulation is allowed to improve rider comfort and terrain traversal capability, then suspension performance is improved, but chain tightness changes causing suspension induced chain growth which deteriorates suspension performance and provides deleterious feedback to rider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the derailleur cage assembly from the suspension system during significant suspension events. By selectively disengaging the cage assembly from the P-Knuckle assembly, the harmful chain growth is eliminated while preserving the beneficial suspension articulation. This extraction principle directly resolves the contradiction by removing the source of chain tightness changes without affecting suspension performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic engagement and disengagement of the derailleur cage assembly based on real-time suspension conditions. Sensors detect suspension events and trigger electromagnetic mechanisms to selectively couple or decouple the cage assembly from the P-Knuckle assembly. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions, maintaining optimal chain tension during normal operation while eliminating chain growth during significant suspension articulation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If derailleur cage assembly is continuously engaged to maintain chain tension, then chain tightness is maintained, but suspension performance deteriorates due to chain growth during suspension articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic engagement and disengagement of the derailleur cage assembly rather than continuous engagement. Sensors detect suspension events and trigger periodic decoupling of the cage assembly from the P-Knuckle assembly during significant suspension articulation, then re-engagement when suspension returns to normal operation. This periodic action maintains chain tension during stable conditions while eliminating chain growth during suspension events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the engagement state of the derailleur cage assembly based on real-time suspension conditions. Electromagnetic mechanisms selectively couple or decouple the cage assembly from the P-Knuckle assembly in response to sensor feedback, creating a dynamic system that adapts chain tension management to current suspension state rather than maintaining fixed engagement.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If derailleur assembly is made disengageable with sensors and electromagnetic mechanisms to selectively manage chain tension, then suspension performance is improved by reducing chain growth, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical chain tensioning mechanisms with electromagnetic mechanisms for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the derailleur cage assembly. Sensors detect suspension events and trigger electromagnetic actuators to couple or decouple the cage assembly from the P-Knuckle assembly, substituting complex mechanical linkages with more compact electromagnetic systems that achieve the same functional outcome with reduced mechanical complexity.
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 effectively reduces suspension-induced chain growth inefficiencies, maintaining optimal chain tension and improving traction and rider comfort by selectively disengaging the derailleur assembly during significant suspension events.
Implementation Method 1
A controller in communication with the sensor and in communication with an electromagnetic circuit controls the electromagnetic circuit in response to the sensor output to selectively engage or disengage the derailleur assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic automatically decoupling hub assembly. The decoupling hub assembly has an axle and a hub shell rotationally positioned about the axle. A controller provides automatic activation/deactivation signals to an inductor. The decoupling hub assembly has a bearing rotationally positioned about the axle and a cassette body assembly, having a plurality of teeth, rotationally positioned about the bearing. One or more pawls are provided to engage with at least some of the teeth of the cassette body assembly and a seal is used to contain the pawls within the decoupling hub assembly. A cassette body assembly is coupled with the ratchet ring and an end cap is used to prevent a contaminant from entering into the decoupling hub assembly.