Sliding Two-Piece Chain Guide for Tool-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain guides for bicycles are not adjustable without tools, making it difficult to maintain and reinstall the chain when it becomes disengaged from the chain ring, especially in remote locations, and they do not accommodate varying chain angles caused by different chain ring sizes and bicycle frames.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable chain guide assembly featuring interlocking inboard and outboard legs with mating portions and a shaft, allowing for tool-free adjustment and secure locking in place, which minimizes the risk of chain disengagement by restricting lateral and vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chain guides are fixed in place on the bicycle frame, then the chain guide provides stable guidance for the chain, but it becomes difficult to adjust or remove the chain guide when the chain becomes disengaged, especially in remote locations without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is designed with a movable outboard leg that can slide along the bicycle frame between a first position (engaging the chain) and a second position (disengaged from the chain). This dynamic positioning allows the chain guide to provide stable guidance during normal operation while enabling easy adjustment or removal when needed, without requiring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide assembly is divided into separate components: a fixed inboard leg attached to the bicycle frame and a movable outboard leg that can slide independently. This segmentation allows the outboard leg to be adjusted or removed separately from the inboard leg, providing tool-free adjustability while maintaining overall structural stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chain guides are designed to be adjustable to accommodate different chain angles from various chain ring sizes and frames, then the chain guide can adapt to different riding configurations, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outboard leg is designed to slide along the bicycle frame to adjust the chain guide's position and orientation, accommodating different chain angles from various chain ring sizes and frames. This simple sliding mechanism provides adaptability without requiring complex adjustment systems, maintaining ease of use while achieving versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the chain guide assembly uses multiple separate parts that can be loosened or adjusted, then the assembly allows for flexibility and adjustment, but there is a higher risk of parts becoming lost or separated from one another
Solution Approach 1:
The inboard leg and outboard leg are designed as interconnected components that remain attached to each other throughout the adjustment process. The outboard leg slides along the inboard leg while maintaining connection, ensuring that parts cannot become lost or separated during adjustment or operation, while still providing the necessary flexibility for adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for minimizing the disengagement of a chain from a chain ring is disclosed. The assembly includes an inboard leg and an outboard leg. The outboard leg is configured to slide vertically relative to the inboard leg. A fastener passes through the inboard leg and outboard leg and defines the upper and lower limit of sliding of the outboard leg.