Chain Link Driver with External Pivot Bolt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional driver arrangements for attaching components to round link chains are complex, require multiple expensive parts, and involve time-consuming assembly and maintenance, with a high risk of detachment during operation.

Innovation Solution

A driver design using a connecting bolt that runs outside the chain link, allowing clamping parts to be easily assembled and secured, with optional features like rotational movement and spring pre-tension for secure attachment, reducing the number of parts and assembly time while ensuring stability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional driver arrangements use multiple clamping parts connected by screws, then the attachment is secure, but the assembly becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clamping parts and connecting screws into a single integrated clamping device with lever arms that pivot about a connecting bolt. This merging reduces the number of individual parts while maintaining secure attachment through the lever mechanism that clamps onto the chain link.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting bolt serves multiple functions: it acts as a pivot axis for the lever arms, provides a mounting point for driver components, and secures the clamping device to the chain link. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional driver arrangements use multiple clamping parts with screws, then the attachment is secure, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is pre-assembled as a single unit with the connecting bolt already in place, allowing for quick installation onto the chain link. The lever arms are pre-configured to pivot about the connecting bolt, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lever arms can pivot dynamically about the connecting bolt during installation and operation, allowing for easy attachment and detachment. This rotational movement simplifies the assembly process while maintaining secure clamping when the levers are positioned to engage the chain link.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional driver arrangements use screwed connections, then attachment is secure, but maintenance requires tightening screws which costs time and personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmaintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The lever arms maintain their clamping force through their geometric configuration and pivot mechanism, eliminating the need for periodic tightening adjustments. The design is self-maintaining as long as the connecting bolt remains secure, reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If driver components are mounted on clamping parts, then attachment is secure, but additional fasteners are required increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of fasteners

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting bolt serves as both the pivot axis for the clamping levers and the mounting point for driver components. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners to attach driver components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution simplifies assembly, reduces weight and costs, ensures secure attachment of driver components to the chain, and enhances operational reliability by distributing loads evenly and preventing unintentional detachment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one clamping part is rotatable about the axis of the connecting bolt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 2

the connecting bolt can have a spring which exerts pre-tension on the connecting bolt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring pre-tension: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the connecting bolt prevents the parts from twisting over the connection means in a form-fitting manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForm-fitting connection:

Implementation Method 4

enhances operational reliability by distributing loads evenly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad distribution:

Data Source

PatentEP2147875B1Actuator

Publication Date: 2013.04.03 PEWAG AUSTRIA GMBH

Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~6
Figure 7a~8

AI summary

The attachment (2) has clamping parts (6, 7) connected with each other by a connecting unit i.e. connecting bolt (11). Two side segments are provided in the clamping parts, and a middle part is provided in an opening of the chain link. The connecting bolt runs parallel to a longitudinal arm through a borehole provided in the clamping parts, outside a chain link (3). The clamping parts are rotatable around an axis of the connecting bolt and are fixed in a mounted condition by fastening a component i.e. cup, to a connection part against rotation around the connecting bolt.