A model for nonfrictional power loss in derailleur-type, bicycle chain drives is developed to identify factors that influence transmission efficiency. Existing treatments of chain drive efficiency consider factional losses but these do not explain the measured tension dependence of power losses and efficiencies for derailleur-type systems. Based on a nonlinear, spring-mass, mechanical transmission line, the model developed in this work shows that losses can be related to harmonic generation and dispersion in the chain. The nonlinear response leading to harmonic generation results from elastic contact at pinbushing interfaces while dispersion is related to the periodic nature of the chain construction. Using this approach, the tension-dependence of power loss and efficiency are modeled and the influences of various chain-related characteristics on efficiency are assessed. If Hertzian contact descriptions are used, then the dependence of loss and efficiency on pin-bushing clearance, contact length and modulus can be estimated. Modeled results agree with experiment and show that power loss decreases with increasing chain tension and that efficiency varies nearly linearly with the reciprocal of the chain tension under operational conditions that are typical for bicycle chain drives. Significant increases to the power transmission efficiency of bicycle chain drives in derailleur-based systems could be achieved by altering the geometries and materials of current chain components.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Effects of the nonlinear elastic behavior of bicycle chain on transmission efficiency


    Additional title:

    Auswirkungen des nichtlinearen elastischen Verhaltens einer Fahrradkette auf die Übertragungseffizienz


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2013


    Size :

    8 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 26 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Bicycle chain efficiency

    Kidd, M.D. / Loch, N.E. / Reuben, R.L. | Tema Archive | 1996


    TRANSMISSION FOR NON-CHAIN BICYCLE

    MA JI HYUN | European Patent Office | 2015

    Free access

    Effects of Frictional Loss on Bicycle Chain Drive Efficiency

    Spicer, James B. | Online Contents | 2001


    BICYCLE CHAIN AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM COMPRISING THE CHAIN

    MICRO CIVIERO / FELTRIN MAURI / FILIPPO BISARELLO | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access

    Technical notes - Efficiency of bicycle chain drives

    Walton, Claire L. | Online Contents | 2001