Offset Bicycle Chain Links for Shifting Between Coaxial Sprockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle chains with identical chain links lack features that facilitate shifting between coaxial chain wheels, such as alternating outer and inner plate chain links, limiting their shifting capability.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle chain is designed with offset chain links that have varying longitudinal ends, allowing for a trapezoidal or rectangular tooth engagement space, enabling axial movement and pivoting relative to the chain wheel, thereby enhancing shifting between coaxial chain wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bicycle chains with identical chain links are used, then the chain structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shifting capability between coaxial chain wheels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into different types of chain links (inner plate chain links and outer plate chain links) with distinct structures. Inner plate chain links have a first chain plate with a first transverse dimension, while outer plate chain links have a second chain plate with a second transverse dimension larger than the first. This segmentation allows the chain to provide both axial approach capability and tooth engagement capability during shifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different chain links are given different local qualities through their varying transverse dimensions. The inner plate chain links provide a narrower passage for axial approach, while the outer plate chain links provide a wider passage for tooth engagement. This local differentiation enables the chain to perform multiple functions at different locations along the chain path.
2Ease of operation
If chain links with varying transverse dimensions are introduced to improve shifting, then shifting readiness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into the chain link structure. Each chain link integrates the chain plate, pivot axis, and engagement surfaces into a single manufactured component. The alternating pattern of inner and outer plate chain links creates a unified shifting mechanism that achieves complex shifting capability through repeated modular units rather than requiring complex individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternating inner and outer plate chain links are used, then tooth engagement space is optimized for shifting, but chain link uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chain employs a periodic alternating pattern of inner plate chain links and outer plate chain links along the longitudinal chain path. This periodic structure creates a rhythm of narrow and wide passages that facilitates the shifting process. The regular alternation provides predictable engagement characteristics while maintaining overall chain uniformity through repetition of the pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle chain having a plurality of chain links, the chain plates of which are formed and arranged in an offset manner along a longitudinal chain path such that each chain link has a wider longitudinal end, along the transverse chain axis, with a larger link width and a narrower longitudinal end, opposite the wider longitudinal end along the longitudinal chain path, with a smaller link width, is designed for shifting between two coaxial rear sprockets adjacent along the transverse chain axis and/or between two coaxial front chainrings adjacent along the transverse chain axis.