Multiple Sprocket Assembly Axial Support Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple sprocket assemblies with a truncated conical shell suffer from instability, particularly the largest diameter sprocket's chain-engaging teeth, which are prone to bending due to inadequate axial support, as they are only supported on one side.
Innovation Solution
A multiple sprocket assembly featuring a hollow conical shell with a load transfer element connected to the large shell base, providing radial support through axially-extending connecting pins with beveled ends and weight-reducing openings, ensuring the largest sprocket's teeth are supported on both sides, enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the largest diameter sprocket teeth are only supported on the outboard side by a cylindrical support element, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the teeth become less stable and more prone to bending under chain loading
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent support elements positioned at different locations around the largest sprocket. Each support element provides localized axial support to the teeth, distributing the load and enhancing stability without requiring a complex monolithic support structure
Solution Approach 2:
Support is provided in the axial dimension by adding support elements that extend axially from the shell to contact the teeth. This transforms the support from a single-sided (outboard only) arrangement to a multi-sided arrangement, effectively adding support in the previously unsupported axial direction
2Stability of the object's composition
If the largest diameter sprocket teeth are supported on both inboard and outboard sides, then the teeth stability is improved, but the assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conical shell serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural housing, provides the mounting surface for support elements, and forms the integral part of the largest sprocket. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining dual-sided tooth support
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are merged with the conical shell structure, where the shell itself provides part of the support function and the support elements are positioned to complement this. This integration reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies assembly compared to completely separate support components
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple sprocket assembly configured to be mounted to a wheel hub. The multiple sprocket assembly includes a truncated conical shell having a first opening proximate a small shell base and a second opening proximate a large shell base. The openings are coaxial with a central axis. A plurality of tooth sprockets having different numbers of chain-engaging teeth is disposed on the shell and extends radially of the central axis. A radial load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate one of the small and large shell bases. A torque load transmitting profile is configured on the shell proximate the large shell base. The shell, sprockets and the radial and torque load transmitting profiles embody a single piece. A load transfer element is connected to the large shell base to radially support the shell. The load transfer element has a greater number of chain-engaging teeth disposed on an outer periphery thereof and having a larger diameter than a largest sprocket on the shell.