Resilient Chain Guide Mounting for Load Binder Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chain load binders face issues with deformation of the chain guide due to sudden release of stored energy, leading to less smooth chain travel and poor engagement between the chain sprocket and chain, resulting in reduced performance and service life.

Innovation Solution

A resiliently mounted chain guide using a rubber stop at the apex of the semi-circular region, allowing for absorption of shock forces and maintaining smooth chain travel, is integrated into the load binder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the chain guide is rigidly mounted to maintain stable chain engagement, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the chain guide deforms under shock forces during sudden chain release, reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain engagement reliabilityVSAvoidchain guide service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by mounting the chain guide on resilient elements (springs or elastomeric material) that absorb shock forces before they can deform the chain guide. This cushioning mechanism is built into the mounting structure, allowing the chain guide to remain rigid during normal operation while protecting it from damage during sudden chain release events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the chain guide mounting system by introducing resilience through springs or elastomeric materials. This transforms the mounting from a rigid fixed parameter to a dynamic parameter that can absorb energy, allowing the chain guide to maintain engagement reliability while withstanding shock forces that would otherwise cause deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the chain guide is resiliently mounted to absorb shock forces, then the service life is improved, but the chain engagement stability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain guide service lifeVSAvoidchain engagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient mounting provides beforehand cushioning that absorbs shock forces during sudden chain release, extending the chain guide's service life. The cushioning is designed to engage only during abnormal shock conditions, not during normal chain engagement, thereby maintaining stability during regular operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the chain guide mounting resilient rather than rigid. The springs or elastomeric materials allow controlled movement and energy absorption during shock events, while maintaining sufficient stability during normal chain engagement. This dynamic mounting adapts to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resilient mounting of the chain guide absorbs shock forces, preventing deformation and ensuring a more robust and reliable chain load binder with extended service life.

Implementation Method 1

a resiliently mounted chain guide using a rubber stop at the apex of the semi-circular region, allowing for absorption of shock forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4420929A1Improved chain load binder
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 WANG SHANG
  • EP4420929A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4420929A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4420929A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A chain load binder is disclosed including: a first connection means for attaching to a first attachment hook; a second connection means for attaching to a second attachment hook; an actuating lever; a ratchet mechanism; one of the connection means includes a chain, and the ratchet mechanism includes a chain sprocket which engages with the chain; the ratchet mechanism is connected to the actuating lever and interconnects the first and second connection means, the ratchet mechanism having an operational condition in which rotation of the chain sprocket in a first direction urges the first and second connection means towards each other, and having a released condition in which the chain sprocket is free to rotate in an opposite direction to allow the first and second connection means to move away from each other; the load binder further includes a chain guide with a generally semi-circular region which maintains the chain in engagement with the chain sprocket; and wherein the chain guide is resiliently mounted in the load binder.