Adjustable Chain Link for Stiffened Flexible Link Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible link chains face challenges in achieving maximum stability when extended while maintaining compactness in the retracted state, as they lack adjustable components for targeted locking and unlocking of chain links.
Innovation Solution
A chain link design with a two-part construction, featuring a carrier and an adjustable adjustment part that can be locked or unlocked via a force transmission element, allowing for targeted locking and unlocking of adjacent chain links, thereby achieving flexibility and stability through adjustable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If chain links are designed to be movable relative to each other for flexibility, then the link chain can be accommodated in a compact retracted state, but the stability and rigidity in the extended state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link employs dynamic characteristics by allowing the adjustment part to be displaceable relative to the carrier, enabling the link chain to transition between flexible (retracted) and rigid (extended) states. The adjustment part can move between a retracted position for compact storage and an extended position for stable support, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain link is divided into two main segments: a carrier and an adjustment part. This segmentation allows independent functionality of each part - the carrier provides structural support while the adjustment part enables controlled displacement and locking. The first and second connection segments are also separated, with the second being movable relative to the first, facilitating selective locking of adjacent chain links.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chain links are locked together rigidly for stability, then the link chain achieves maximum stability in extended state, but the mobility and flexibility of individual chain links deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on operational needs. The adjustment part can be displaced relative to the carrier to engage or disengage locking elements, allowing the chain links to transition from rigidly connected (for stability) to movable relative to each other (for flexibility and ease of operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes the physical state of the connection between chain links. When locked, the adjustment part is fixed relative to the carrier, providing rigid connection and maximum stability. When unlocked, the adjustment part can move relative to the carrier, restoring flexibility and mobility to the chain links.
3Reliability
If a two-part construction with adjustment part is used for targeted locking, then the stability and controllability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link is segmented into a carrier and an adjustment part, with the adjustment part further containing connection segments and locking elements. This segmentation enables targeted locking control by allowing independent movement and locking of the adjustment part relative to the carrier, improving reliability while keeping each segment's function simple and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment part serves multiple functions: it provides the second connection segment for linking to adjacent chain links, contains the locking elements for targeted locking, and enables displacement relative to the carrier for controlled engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving reliable targeted locking.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a chain link for a link chain which is flexible per se and in which chain links connected to each other are movable in relation to each other and can be locked to each other such that the link chain which is flexible per se can be stiffened by locking the chain links to each other. The chain link has at least a first connection segment for the connection to a first chain link and a further second connection segment for the connection to a second chain link. The chain link has a carrier having the first connection segment and has an adjustment part having the second connection segment, said adjustment part being supported in an adjustable manner relative to the carrier.