Chain Link With C-Profile Hinge Opening For Handling Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling chains with pivotally interconnected chain links face limitations in pivotal mobility and construction complexity, particularly due to weak points in tensile strength caused by elastically deformable areas for length adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The chain link design features a C-profile hinge opening axial to the first pivot axis with a circular bolt, allowing for additional relative movement through translation and pivoting, and a blocking device to secure connections, enhancing mobility and stability with a simpler manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chain links are connected with traditional hinge joints allowing only pivoting movement, then the connection is simple, but the pivotal mobility of adjacent chain links is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge opening is designed with an elongated hole profile that allows the connection to adapt dynamically between different movement modes. The opening can accommodate both pivoting motion and translational movement, enabling the chain link to transition between rigid hinge behavior and more flexible movement as needed for pivotal mobility improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the hinge opening with elongated hole profile, the pin, and the blocking device. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall improved pivotal mobility through their coordinated interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastically deformable areas are added for length adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but tensile strength decreases due to weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device provides dynamic adjustability by enabling the chain to transition between flexible states (allowing length adjustment through relative movement) and rigid states (securing connections to maintain tensile strength). The blocking mechanism allows the chain to adapt its structural properties based on operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If multiple connecting means are used for additional relative movement, then mobility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge opening integrates multiple functions into a single structural element. The elongated hole profile simultaneously provides guidance for translational movement and accommodation for pivoting motion, eliminating the need for separate guiding structures and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining improved mobility capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a chain link for a handling chain and to the handling chain. The handling chain has a body consisting of a plurality of chain links, which adjoin each other in the longitudinal direction of the handling chain, wherein the chain links are connected to each other in the adjoining connection regions thereof in such a way that, in each case, the chain links can be pivoted about a first pivot axis extending in the transverse direction. The chain link is designed to form a hinge-joint connection with the joint partner, wherein the chain link has at least one connection region designed as a first connection region, said connection region being designed in such a way that the hinge-joint connection enables at least one further relative motion of the joint partners in addition to the pivoting about the first pivot axis.