Deflectable Chain Guide Contact Member for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chain guide assemblies for bicycles are not sufficiently stable, lightweight, or quiet, especially when encountering bumpy terrain, and lack adjustability for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle chain guide assembly featuring a resilient contact member with adjustable mounting and a movable member that can pivot and move to protect the chain and chain ring, incorporating slots for adjustable attachment and a deflection mechanism to reduce noise and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional chain guide assembly is used to keep the chain on the chain ring, then the chain is protected from falling off, but the assembly becomes heavy and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the frame and a movable member that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall weight and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is made from a resilient material that can deflect and flex, replacing rigid metal components with a flexible element that reduces noise and weight while maintaining chain guidance functionality.
2Reliability
If a traditional chain guide assembly is used to keep the chain on the chain ring, then the chain is protected from falling off, but the assembly becomes unstable on bumpy terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is designed to pivot and move dynamically in response to terrain variations and chain forces. This dynamic capability allows the chain guide to maintain stability on bumpy terrain by adapting its position rather than resisting movement rigidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient contact member automatically deflects and rebounds in response to chain contact and terrain variations without external control, providing self-adjusting stability that maintains reliable chain guidance under varying conditions.
3Device complexity
If a fixed chain guide assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the assembly cannot accommodate various bicycle configurations and terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member with pivot capability and the resilient contact member provide adaptability without adding significant structural complexity. These components naturally adjust to different bicycle configurations and terrain conditions through their inherent mechanical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide assembly allows for parameter changes in position and orientation through the movable member's pivot range and the contact member's deflection, enabling adaptation to various configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 provides a stable, lightweight, and quieter chain guide assembly that effectively protects the chain and chain ring from damage, while allowing for adjustable installation to accommodate various bicycle configurations and terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The contact member is made of a resilient material such that it can be deflected
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a chain guide member having a mounting portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of a bicycle, and a contact member removably affixed to the mounting portion. The mounting portion extends in a chain-running direction and has a chain-ring side and an opposite side. The contact member includes a first end portion affixed to the mounting portion and a chain contact portion that extends from the first end portion in the chain-running direction and is positioned adjacent the chain-ring side of the mounting portion. A gap is defined between the chain-ring side of the mounting portion and the chain contact portion of the contact member.