L-Shaped Chain Link Bracket With Aperture for Bolt Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain link bracket devices for repairing broken link chains in chain drive mechanisms often result in a narrowed gap opening due to offset side flanges, which interferes with the insertion and withdrawal of reciprocal gear teeth, reducing the efficiency of linear movement conversion.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a pair of L-shaped chain link bracket members with a uniformly flattened side flange and a centrally located aperture in the side flange portion, allowing for unrestricted rotational movement of the bolt fastener and preventing striking interference, maintains the maximum gap opening dimensions between the bracket members, similar to other chain link assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If offset side flanges are used in chain link bracket devices, then the bolt fastener can rotate without interference, but the gap opening between bracket members is narrowed, interfering with gear tooth insertion and withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third aperture through the side flange portion, creating a new dimensional space that allows the bolt to rotate freely without requiring offset flanges. This third aperture provides the necessary clearance in the z-dimension (through the thickness of the flange) while maintaining the original planar configuration of the side flanges, thus preserving the gap opening dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the side flange portion by adding a separate third aperture that is distinct from the first aperture in the base flange and the second aperture in the side flange. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each aperture's function: the first aperture for mounting, the second for connection, and the third specifically for enabling bolt rotation without interfering with the gap opening.
2Ease of operation
If offset side flanges are introduced to prevent bolt interference, then bolt rotation is unrestricted, but the gap dimensions are altered, affecting gear tooth reception and linear movement conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the third aperture through the side flange portion, the patent creates additional rotational clearance in the thickness dimension without altering the planar dimensions of the side flanges. This maintains the precise gap opening dimensions required for gear tooth reception while providing sufficient space for unrestricted bolt rotation.
3Area of stationary object
If a third aperture is added to the side flange portion, then bolt rotation is prevented from interfering with the bracket member, and the gap opening dimensions are maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third aperture in the side flange portion serves multiple functions: it enables unrestricted bolt rotation, maintains the gap opening dimensions, and provides additional clearance space. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the aperture by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural modification.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved L-shaped bracket member of a pair of oppositely disposed back-to-back mirror image bracket members configuring when mounted, an improved replacement link chain for repair of a disconnected chain link drive mechanism, including a base flange mountable by bolt fastener to a substrate member carrying the chain link mechanism, and a perpendicularly depending side flange being of generally flat thickness dimension to define improved uniform gap opening between a pair of oppositely mounted side flanges of the pair of bracket members, and having an aperture extending through the thickness dimension of the side flange positioned with the aperture opening thereof disposed in at least tangential interference with the rotational radius of the bolt fastener to enable the rotating bolt to extend into the aperture opening to remove striking of the bolt with the adjacently disposed side flange when mounting or dismounting the base flange of the improved bracket member.