Removable MTB Chain Pulley Accessory to Reduce Pedal Kickback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for reducing pedal kickback in MTB bicycles are complex, expensive, require frequent maintenance, and are not universally applicable to different bicycle models, failing to effectively mitigate the backward rotation of pedals due to chain pull during suspension compression.

Innovation Solution

A removable accessory featuring a support plate with a cantilevered end and a swiveling idler pulley, attached to the crankset, which widens the chain loop to compensate for chain pull, thereby reducing pedal kickback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing solutions (O-Chain system, boomerang plate, deflection pulley) are implemented, then pedal kickback is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal kickbackVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a simple intermediary component - a plate with a pulley - that mediates between the chain and the crankset. This pulley acts as a mediator to redirect chain tension and prevent it from directly causing pedal kickback, providing an effective solution with minimal added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the kickback-reducing function from complex existing systems (like the O-Chain system with multiple moving parts) and implements it through a simple, static plate with a single pulley, separating the essential function from unnecessary complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If existing solutions (O-Chain system, boomerang plate) are implemented, then pedal kickback is reduced, but maintenance requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal kickbackVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the kickback reduction function into a simple, modular plate component with a pulley that can be independently maintained or replaced, rather than requiring maintenance of complex integrated systems like the O-Chain mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate with pulley is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than requiring expensive, complex mechanisms that need sophisticated maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing solutions are implemented, then pedal kickback is reduced, but adaptability to different bicycle models decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal kickbackVSAvoidadaptability to bicycle models
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is designed with a universal mounting system that can be adapted to different crankset configurations and bicycle models. The pulley position and plate geometry can be adjusted to work with various chainline arrangements, making the solution broadly applicable across different MTB models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accessory provides a simple, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution that effectively reduces pedal kickback across various MTB models by allowing the chain to expand, improving ride smoothness and control.

Implementation Method 1

a pulley (30) engaged in the chain (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4631836A1An accessory for reducing pedal kickback in MTB bicycles
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 EGIDA SRL O IN FORMA ABBREVIATA EG SRL
  • EP4631836A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4631836A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4631836A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a removable accessory for lowering or reducing pedal kickback in MTB bicycles comprising at least a frame, two wheels, one front and one rear, a suspension of the rear wheel, a crankset with at least one front sprocket (10) and rear sprocket set to accommodate a chain (15) drive between the front sprocket (10) and at least one said rear sprocket. This accessory includes: - a supporting plate having, at one of its long sides, at least two holes or notches for the passage of means of attachment in corresponding receiving seats arranged around the crankset of the bicycle; - a pulley mounted swiveling on a transverse pin attached near a free end of the plate that is cantilevered upward a direction in which the pulley is engageable in the chain (15) when the plate is mounted on the bicycle and essentially widening the closed ring of the chain.