Bicycle Derailleur Link Pin Coupling Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle derailleurs face challenges in achieving a strong and simple structure that efficiently shifts chains between sprockets, with existing designs often compromising on strength and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle derailleur incorporates a base member, chain guide, motor unit, and linkage structure with strategically positioned link pins that pivotally couple the components, allowing for coaxial alignment and improved strength while simplifying the assembly process through a linkage structure that includes inner and outer link members and pins, and a motor unit that applies rotational force to facilitate gear shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple separate fasteners are used to couple the base member, motor unit, and linkage structure, then the coupling strength is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single link pin that simultaneously couples the base member, motor unit, and linkage structure. This single pin replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate fasteners, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining coupling strength through integrated design
2Strength
If the link pin must be precisely aligned through multiple separate openings, then the coupling strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the link pin passes through sequentially positioned openings in the base member, motor unit, and linkage structure. The openings are arranged coaxially or in a predetermined pattern that guides the pin through nested components, ensuring proper alignment and coupling strength while simplifying assembly
3Device complexity
If a single link pin is used to couple multiple components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the coupling may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link pin is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple coupling functions: securing the base member to the motor unit, attaching the linkage structure, and providing pivot points for movement. This universal design reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability through the pin's robust construction and multiple engagement points
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
This configuration enhances the strength and reliability of the derailleur by ensuring proper alignment and support of link pins, improving the derailleur's ability to shift chains efficiently and maintain a compact design, while also simplifying the assembly and adjustment of the derailleur components.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one link pin is configured to pivotally couple the at least one link member to the base member about at least one link pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
The motor unit is configured to apply rotational force to the at least one link pin to rotate the at least one link pin and to pivot at least one link member relative to the base member about at least one link pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a chain guide, a motor unit, and a linkage structure. The base member has at least one first link-pin-receiving opening. The motor unit has at least one second link-pin-receiving opening. The linkage structure comprises at least one link member and at least one link pin. The at least one link member is configured to movably couple the chain guide to the base member. The at least one link member has at least one third link-pin-receiving opening. The at least one link pin is configured to pivotally couple the at least one link member to the base member about at least one link pivot axis. One of the at least one link pin is configured to extend through the at least one first link-pin-receiving opening, the at least one second link-pin-receiving opening, and the at least one third link-pin-receiving opening.