Direct-Mount 2X Chainring Assembly for Alignment and Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chainring assemblies face challenges in balancing performance requirements such as speed and vehicle clearance, often necessitating different sizes and configurations that are not easily accommodated by existing designs, which can lead to issues like bending, breaking, and wear, as well as misalignment affecting shifting performance.
Innovation Solution
A chainring assembly that employs two separate chainrings held onto one spline using a single fastener, allowing for individual or joint replacement and maintaining radial alignment through stacking or nesting, thereby enhancing torque transfer and reducing central movement, while allowing either chainring to share torque and maintaining alignment without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a larger diameter chainring is used to go faster, then speed is improved, but vehicle clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chainring system is divided into two separate chainrings (first chainring and second chainring) that can be independently selected and installed. This segmentation allows the user to choose between different diameter chainrings based on whether they prioritize speed (larger diameter) or clearance (smaller diameter), resolving the contradiction by making the size parameter adjustable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The chainring system transitions from a static, fixed-size chainring to a dynamic configuration where two different-sized chainrings can be swapped based on riding conditions. The quick-release mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of chainring size, allowing the system to adapt between speed-optimized and clearance-optimized states.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional chainring designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but reliability is reduced due to bending, breaking, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The chainring is segmented into two separate replaceable components (first and second chainrings) that can be independently replaced when worn or damaged. This segmentation improves reliability by allowing selective replacement of only the worn chainring rather than the entire assembly, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized, modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables easy discarding of worn or damaged chainrings and replacement with fresh ones. The quick-release mechanism facilitates rapid removal of damaged chainrings and installation of replacement chainrings, improving reliability by minimizing downtime and ensuring that worn components are promptly replaced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chainring size is changed for different terrains, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented, modular chainrings that can be independently selected and installed. This modular segmentation provides terrain adaptability through simple component selection rather than complex reconfiguration, allowing users to swap between first and second chainrings for different terrains without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chainring assembly is designed with universal mounting features (spline interface, quick-release mechanism) that accommodate both first and second chainrings using the same installation procedure. This universality enables terrain adaptability while minimizing configuration complexity, as the same mounting system handles both chainring options.
4Manufacturing precision
If additional hardware is used to maintain alignment when swapping chainrings, then radial alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chainring design incorporates segmented features (keyways, splines, positioning elements) that are integrated into the chainring structure itself rather than requiring separate alignment hardware. This integrated segmentation maintains radial alignment through the chainring's own geometry, eliminating the need for additional alignment hardware and keeping the system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are merged into the chainring structure itself rather than being separate components. The positioning elements, keyways, and spline interfaces are combined with the chainring body, maintaining radial alignment functionality while reducing overall hardware complexity by eliminating standalone alignment devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A cinch direct mount 2× ring system is disclosed. One embodiment discloses a chainring assembly having a drive side crank arm with a chainring assembly interface including a plurality of splines, a circumference, and an axial length. The chainring assembly includes a first chainring having a first outer diameter and a first center assembly shape. The chainring assembly includes a second chainring having a second outer diameter and a second center assembly shape, the second outer diameter being different than the first outer diameter. The chainring assembly also includes a fastener to couple the first chainring and the second chainring with the chainring assembly interface, such that at least one of the first center assembly shape or the second center assembly shape engages with the plurality of splines.