Sprocket Cushion Ring Retention via Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprocket assemblies with cushion rings face issues of separation due to cyclical compression and relaxation, leading to noise and vibration, as the retention in the radial direction is not effectively addressed by prior art arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A sprocket assembly with forward and rearward cushion ring assemblies, each comprising a resilient cushion ring and a retention ring that is partially embedded and engages the hub in an interference fit, providing both axial and radial retention to prevent separation and enhance service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cushion rings are bonded to the sprocket to reduce noise and vibration, then noise reduction is improved, but the cushion rings separate from the sprocket due to cyclical compression and relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into multiple functional components: an annular groove for axial retention, and a retention ring with radial engagement features for radial retention. This segmentation allows each component to address specific retention challenges independently, preventing cushion ring separation while maintaining noise reduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention ring is nested within the annular groove structure, with the retention ring itself containing radial retention features that engage with the sprocket body. The cushion ring is then nested between the retention ring and the sprocket teeth. This nested arrangement creates multiple retention mechanisms working together to prevent cushion ring separation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cushion rings are subjected to cyclical compression and relaxation, then noise reduction is achieved during operation, but separation from the sprocket occurs reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring with its radial engagement features provides beforehand mechanical constraint that prevents cushion ring separation before it can occur during cyclical operation. This pre-established retention mechanism ensures the cushion ring remains securely attached throughout compression and relaxation cycles, extending service life while maintaining vibration reduction.
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 solution effectively reduces noise and vibration by ensuring the cushion rings remain securely attached, thereby extending their service life and improving operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
a retention ring which is partially embedded within the cushion ring and which engages the hub radially outer surface in an interference fit, the retention ring providing axial and radial retention of the cushion ring to the hub
Implementation Method 2
bond a cushion ring, made of a resilient and compliant material such as an elastomer, to each side of the sprocket
Implementation Method 3
The links of the drive chain engage the cushion rings during operation, thereby reducing noise
Data Source
AI summary
A sprocket assembly which is either driven by a drive chain or which drives the drive chain includes a hub centered about a sprocket axis and defining a hub radially outer surface; a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outward from the hub; and a cushion ring assembly adjacent to the plurality of sprocket teeth and circumferentially surrounding the hub radially outer surface. The cushion ring assembly includes a cushion ring adjacent to the plurality of sprocket teeth and circumferentially surrounding the hub radially outer surface; the cushion ring being resilient and compliant. The cushion ring assembly also each includes a retention ring which is partially embedded within the cushion ring and which engages the hub radially outer surface in an interference fit, the retention ring providing axial and radial retention of the cushion ring to the hub.