Chain Joint With Variable Profile Cross Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain locks made from round steel with constant cross-sections are expensive and wasteful due to the cutting of endless chains, resulting in low bending resistance and tensile strength, while maintaining predetermined outer dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The chain lock design features a base body with a smaller profile cross-section in the link curves and larger cross-section on longitudinal legs, including a blind threaded hole for the locking screw, allowing for increased bending resistance and tensile strength without altering outer dimensions, and can be produced without cutting waste from endless chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the base body is made of round steel with constant cross-section, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the bending resistance moment and tensile strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed with different profile cross-sections at different locations: a larger cross-section in the longitudinal leg area to increase bending resistance moment, and a smaller cross-section in the link curve area to maintain flexibility and fit within outer dimension constraints. This local differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between strength requirements and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a constant cross-section design (one-dimensional uniformity) to a variable cross-section design (two-dimensional variation along the length). By introducing dimensional variation in the cross-sectional area along the longitudinal axis, the design achieves higher bending resistance where needed while maintaining overall compactness.
2Strength
If the base body is made of round steel with constant cross-section, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the tensile strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal legs are equipped with enlarged profile cross-sections that provide increased tensile strength where the locking screw applies clamping force. The variable cross-section design allows concentration of material in high-stress regions while reducing material in low-stress link curve areas.
3Strength
If the outer dimensions are increased to improve strength, then the bending resistance moment increases, but the chain lock cannot be used on the same pocket chain wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The design concentrates the increased cross-sectional area locally in the longitudinal leg regions where strength is critical, while maintaining the outer dimensions (overall length, width, and height) within the predetermined limits required for compatibility with existing pocket chain wheels. This allows strength enhancement without compromising adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If chain links are cut from endless chains, then the base body can be manufactured, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed with a variable profile cross-section that cannot be produced by simple bending of round steel. This parameter change in the cross-sectional geometry necessitates alternative manufacturing methods such as precision casting or forging, which allow near-net-shape production from ingots or blanks, thereby reducing material waste compared to cutting from endless chains.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
In a chain joint (1) for link chains, having a main body (2) in the form of an oval chain link with two mutually parallel longitudinal legs (3, 4) which are connected to one another at their ends in each case via a rounded link portion (5, 6) and one of which has an interruption for forming a receiving opening (7) for the hooking-in of oval chain links into an internal opening (8) of the main body (2), said receiving opening being bounded at its ends by in each case one longitudinal leg section (4A, 4B), wherein, in said longitudinal leg (4), there is provided a threaded bore (9) which runs in the longitudinal direction of said longitudinal leg and which extends in both longitudinal leg sections (4A, 4B) and into which there can be screwed a closure screw (10) which, in the screwed-in state, engages with the threaded bore (9) in both longitudinal leg sections (4A, 4B), it is provided that, while maintaining the predefined sizes for outer circumference (A) and link width (B) of the main body (2), said main body is provided, in the region of its longitudinal legs (3, 4), with a profile cross section (Q1) that is larger than the profile cross section (Q2) in the region of its rounded link portions (5, 6).