Adjustable Chain Transport Device with Radial Catching Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transporting chain lengths of varying dimensions are impractical and expensive due to the need for multiple, specifically adapted messengers or rollers with poor gripping ability for different chain sizes.
Innovation Solution
A device with radially arranged catching arms on a side plate, adjustable to accommodate different chain sizes by positioning at 45 and 135 degrees, and a second side plate for stability, allowing the chain to be moved in its natural X-position, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving grip with protrusions on the carrying surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple specifically adapted messengers or rollers are used for different chain sizes, then the gripping ability for specific chain dimensions is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single messenger device that can handle multiple chain dimensions through adjustable catching arms. The catching arms can be positioned at different radial distances from the shaft center, allowing the same device to accommodate various chain sizes without requiring multiple specialized messengers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable gripping ability across different chain types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the catching arms adjustable and repositionable on the side plates. The catching arms can be moved radially to different positions and fixed at desired locations, enabling the device to adapt dynamically to different chain dimensions. This adjustability allows one device to perform multiple functions for different chain sizes, resolving the contradiction between specialized gripping and device complexity
2Device complexity
If discs or rollers with carriers are used, then the device can be simplified to a single structure, but the gripping ability to pull different chain dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the side plate into multiple sections with independently adjustable catching arms. Each catching arm can be positioned separately at optimal radial distances for different chain sizes. This segmented design allows the single messenger structure to provide specialized gripping contact points for various chain dimensions, maintaining reliable gripping ability while keeping the overall device structure simplified
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the catching arms to be repositioned radially on the side plates. This adjustability transforms a static simple structure into a dynamic adaptable one, where the catching arms can be configured to match different chain dimensions. The dynamic positioning capability ensures good gripping ability across various chain sizes without requiring multiple fixed specialized structures
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
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AI summary
A device is described for transport of chain lengths of varying link sizes, where the device comprises at least a first side plate for fastening on a shaft, and at least four catching arms arranged on the first side plate in a radial pattern, where each catching arm is arranged at an angle of about 90 degrees in relation to the next catching arm.