Investigation of the four-bar linkage in a rear derailleur system with experimental verification

Pingtien Wu*, Wen-Syang Hsu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The derailleur system on a bicycle can be time-saving or labour-saving for riders by changing the suitable reduction ratio. In this study, a mathematical model of the four-bar linkage mechanism in a spatial rear derailleur is developed to simulate the cable force in shifting. The relation between the cable force and cable displacement is obtained and verified. It is found that friction between the cable and adjusting screw unit is a key factor. Then, the mathematical model is used to optimize the cable force. By changing the position of coupler point, we can reduce not only the maximum cable force by 9.26% but also the force difference between the maximum and minimum by 65.5%. Finally, a roller design to replace sliding contact between the cable and the adjusting screw unit is proposed to reduce the friction force.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)454-471
Number of pages18
JournalInternational Journal of Vehicle Design
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Keywords

  • Adjusting screw unit
  • Four-bar linkage
  • Rear derailleur

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