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submitted 1 week ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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[-] [email protected] 5 points 5 days ago

Reinvented half-link chain?

[-] [email protected] 8 points 1 week ago

"...a US patent application from SRAM shows a radically different chain design.

<...>

A conventional chain is made of a pin, roller and a set of alternating inner and outer plates. SRAM's patent removes the need for inner and outer plates with the stepped design acting as both."

[-] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

The picture almost looks like it does not have pins as well or maybe more like they are in line. Not sure what the thing marked 50 is. My biggest question is does it have any advantages or disadvantages. Its like is there a point to the change outside of maybe cheaper manufacturing (less individual parts)

[-] [email protected] 0 points 1 week ago

Presumably there's the small benefit of not having to remove two links at a time, since there's no longer a distinction between a link with outer vs inner plates.

I do wonder how this affects coupling (aka master) links.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

Looks like a chain composed of only half-links.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago

As near as I can tell, there's assymetric beveling in the profile of each link, so the chain can be lifted up more easily and with less travel off one sprocket to another. Without the side plates, the chain itself is also thinner, so less distance to go side to side during shifting. Also means more sprockets can fit in the same width cassette. Not sure any of this qualifies as a 'reinvention.'

More diagrams in the source patent. They won't let me direct link to the PDF.

Patent search page here: https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/static/pages/ppubsbasic.html

Enter ID: 20250172193

this post was submitted on 02 Jun 2025
12 points (92.9% liked)

micromobility - Bikes, scooters, boards: Whatever floats your goat, this is micromobility

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