Articulation-Free Chain Design for Hygienic Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional link chains used in machines, particularly in packaging machines, suffer from dirt accumulation and difficulty in cleaning due to articulations that create gaps, requiring lubrication and compromising hygiene, especially in foodstuff processing where cleanliness is critical.

Innovation Solution

A chain design featuring flexible links integrated between rigid links to form a closed surface, eliminating articulations and the need for lubrication, with options for corrosion resistance using materials like stainless steel and easy sterilization via superheated steam, and enhanced mechanical loading capacity through guide elements and secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional link chains with articulations are used, then the chain can be manufactured and assembled, but dirt accumulates in gaps and articulations making cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain assemblyVSAvoidcleaning accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the articulation joints from the chain structure. By using rigid chain links connected through flexible chain links without articulations, the design removes the problematic gaps where dirt accumulates, making the chain surface cleanable while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs flexible chain links made from flexible material that can be deformed during assembly to connect rigid chain links. These flexible links form a continuous closed surface without articulation gaps, enabling easy cleaning while providing the necessary flexibility for chain operation and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If articulations with sliding surfaces are used, then the chain can move and function, but lubrication is required which increases wear and soiling risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain movementVSAvoidsoiling and lubrication requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical articulation system with sliding surfaces and lubrication with a flexible link system. The flexible chain links deform elastically to enable relative movement between rigid links, eliminating the need for lubrication and associated soiling risks while maintaining chain functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic flexibility through deformable chain links that can change shape during operation. The flexible material allows the chain to adapt its configuration for movement while maintaining a closed surface structure, eliminating static articulation points that require lubrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If rigid chain links with articulations are used, then the chain provides structural strength, but gaps between elements create dirt traps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain structural strengthVSAvoiddirt accumulation in gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible chain links act as continuous surfaces connecting rigid links, forming a closed envelope that prevents dirt accumulation. The flexible material maintains structural integrity while eliminating gaps, as it conforms to the connection points without creating articulation-based openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the rigid chain links and connection elements into a unified structure where flexible links integrate seamlessly between rigid components. This integration eliminates separate articulation joints and gaps, creating a continuous surface that prevents dirt trapping while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional link chains are used for positioning, then the chain can be constructed, but precision is compromised due to articulation gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain constructionVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By removing articulation gaps from the chain structure, the invention eliminates sources of positioning error. The rigid chain links maintain precise relative positions through the flexible connections, which deform smoothly without creating the gaps and play that compromise positioning accuracy in conventional chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7922614B2Chain for a machine drive, transport of material in a machine or the like, and packaging machine comprising one such chain

Publication Date: 2011.04.12 MULTIVAC INC

AI summary

The invention proposes a chain for a machine drive, transport of material in a machine or the like, and also a packaging machine comprising one such chain, this chain being better than known link chains at meeting requirements in respect of hygiene conditions during operation and cleaning. This is achieved according to the invention in that flexible chain links (4) are provided between rigid chain links (2), the flexible chain links (4) being fixed to the rigid chain links (2).