Adjustable Tailgate Chain Connector for Consistent Opening Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tailgate chain linkages in machines, such as those used in construction and mining, face variability in chain length and tolerance stack-up, leading to inconsistent tailgate opening speeds and requiring adjustments that can be cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A chain connector with paired flanges and apertures allows for adjustable chain length, enabling secure and flexible attachment to machines, accommodating varying chain lengths without moving parts, and providing a robust, lightweight design for improved operation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional chain linkages are used with fixed chain lengths, then manufacturing is simpler, but tailgate opening speed becomes inconsistent due to variability in chain length and tolerance stack-up
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector incorporates multiple pairs of apertures arranged at different positions along the chain, enabling the effective length of the chain linkage to be adjusted dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to varying chain lengths and tolerance variations, ensuring consistent tailgate opening speed by selecting the appropriate aperture pair that provides the correct effective length.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of effective chain length by providing multiple pairs of apertures at different positions. By coupling the chain to different pairs of apertures, the effective length of the chain linkage can be modified to compensate for chain length variability and tolerance stack-up, thereby achieving consistent tailgate opening speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If chain links are added or removed to adjust chain length, then tailgate operation consistency can be improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector is segmented into multiple pairs of apertures at different positions, allowing the effective length to be adjusted by selecting different aperture pairs rather than adding or removing entire chain links. This segmentation enables fine-tuning of the chain linkage length through simple coupling adjustments, making the process easier and more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed attachment point on one side while offering multiple coupling positions on the other side. This multi-functionality allows a single chain connector design to accommodate various chain lengths and achieve consistent tailgate operation without requiring custom adjustments for each chain length.
3Reliability
If adjustable chain length is implemented through multiple aperture pairs, then tailgate operation consistency improves, but the chain connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector features an asymmetric design with a single pair of apertures on one flange and multiple pairs of apertures on the other flange. This asymmetric configuration provides adjustability while maintaining structural simplicity, as the complexity is localized to one side of the connector rather than distributed throughout the entire linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector incorporates multiple pairs of apertures arranged at different positions along the chain, enabling the effective length of the chain linkage to be adjusted dynamically. This allows the system to adapt to varying chain lengths and tolerance variations, ensuring consistent tailgate opening speed by selecting the appropriate aperture pair that provides the correct effective length.
Data Source
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AI summary
A chain connector (1) for use with a tailgate chain linkage of a machine (2). The chain connector (1) comprises a first flange (21), a second flange (22) and a web (23). The chain connector (1) is provided with a first pair of apertures (26) for coupling the chain connector to the machine, and a plurality of second pairs of apertures (27) for coupling the chain connector to a chain (11). An effective length of the tailgate chain linkage may be adjusted by coupling the chain (11) with a selected second pair of apertures (27) since the plurality of second pairs of apertures (27) are disposed at a plurality of distances from the first pair of apertures (26).