Adjustable Single-Sprocket Trainer Interface for Quiet Bike Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle trainers require users to manually adjust derailleurs and install cassettes, which is cumbersome, noisy, and causes unnecessary wear on bicycle parts, especially for users who want to switch between different bicycles or trainers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable single-sprocket system for bicycle trainers that allows users to easily attach and detach bicycles without needing to adjust derailleurs or install cassettes, using a position adjustment dial, camming spacer, and compression springs to micro-adjust the sprocket position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually adjust derailleurs and install cassettes to switch between different bicycles or trainers, then the system can accommodate different bicycles, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cassette and derailleur adjustment mechanisms from the traditional bicycle trainer system, replacing them with a single-sprocket design that accepts a standardized single-speed bicycle configuration. This eliminates the need for users to manually install different cassettes or adjust derailleurs when switching between bicycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-sprocket system creates a universal interface that works with any single-speed bicycle, regardless of the original cassette configuration. The standardized sprocket design and corresponding bicycle adapter enable one trainer to accommodate multiple different bicycles without requiring bicycle-specific adjustments or components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users frequently adjust derailleurs and change cassettes, then different bicycles can be used with the trainer, but unnecessary wear is caused to bicycle parts
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the cassette and derailleur components from the system and replacing them with a fixed single-sprocket design, the patent eliminates the mechanical wear that occurs during cassette installation/removal and derailleur adjustment. The direct-drive single-sprocket interface significantly reduces stress on bicycle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified, robust single-sprocket design that prioritizes durability and low maintenance over mechanical complexity. The standardized interface acts as a wear-resistant intermediary that protects the more expensive bicycle components from damage.
3Productivity
If derailleurs are adjusted to change gears during riding, then resistance can be varied, but noisy operation occurs indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the derailleur and multi-cassette mechanism entirely, replacing it with a single-sprocket system. Resistance variation is achieved through direct manipulation of the single sprocket position or through trainer resistance controls rather than through noisy derailleur shifting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical derailleur shifting system with an alternative resistance control mechanism, such as electromagnetic or friction-based resistance adjustment in the trainer itself, eliminating the need for noisy mechanical gear changes during indoor riding.
4Ease of operation
If a single-sprocket system is used to simplify bicycle attachment, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to simulate different gear ratios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable-resistance mechanism in the trainer that acts as an intermediary between the single-sprocket drive and the resistance application. This mediator allows the system to simulate different gear ratios through resistance modulation rather than through multiple physical sprockets, maintaining ease of operation while preserving training versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-sprocket gear system with an electromagnetic or friction-based resistance control system that can dynamically adjust resistance levels to simulate various gear ratios, eliminating the need for physical gear changes while maintaining the same training effects.
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 system provides a seamless and noise-free shifting experience, reduces wear on bicycle parts, and allows users to easily transition between different bicycles and trainers, enhancing user convenience and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression spring and a second compression spring positioned between the outer spacer and the camming spacer
Implementation Method 2
a position adjustment dial, a camming spacer, and at least one compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an adjustable single-sprocket system including a sprocket having an opening for an axle, the sprocket having teeth about a perimeter of the sprocket, wherein the teeth of the sprocket are for engaging a bicycle chain, an adjustment dial, having an opening for the axle, the adjustment dial incorporating at least two adjustment ramps along a dial side closest to the sprocket, and a camming spacer, having an opening for the axle and including at least two camming ramps to engage with the at least two adjustment ramps to increase or decrease distance of the sprocket from the adjustment dial along a rotation axis about the sprocket as the adjustment dial is rotated about the rotation axis in a first direction or a second direction.