Chain End Link Retention Geometry to Prevent Jamming Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting locks for chain strands, particularly in high-grade applications, face issues with limited mobility and a high risk of jamming under heavy loads, leading to potential breakage due to restricted movement and edge rotation, which compromises the chain's ability to follow changes in load direction.
Innovation Solution
A device with a holding device featuring a single insertion position and a cross-section adapted to the end link's shape, along with a closure element that prevents movement from the holding section to the insertion section, ensuring the end link can only be slid onto the holding section in a predetermined position, and can pivot to accommodate load direction changes, thereby reducing the risk of jamming and breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connecting link design is used to achieve high breaking strengths, then the strength increases, but the mobility between the end member and connecting lock is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The holding section is designed with a curved contour that allows the end link to pivot dynamically within a controlled range. This curvature enables the connection to adapt to changing load directions while maintaining high breaking strength, resolving the contradiction between strength and mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end link can pivot freely to follow load direction changes, then the adaptability improves, but the risk of jamming on edges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is positioned to engage with the end link before the end link can rotate onto the edges of the holding section. This preliminary engagement prevents the end link from reaching positions where jamming could occur, while still allowing controlled pivoting within the safe range.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved contour of the holding section dynamically guides the end link through a controlled pivoting motion, preventing it from rotating onto sharp edges. The geometry itself acts as a protective mechanism that maintains reliability while enabling mobility.
3Reliability
If a locking element is added to prevent jamming, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated into the holding device structure, combining the locking function with the existing holding mechanism. This merging approach prevents jamming while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components.
Data Source
Figure 1~12
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for attaching an end link (2) of a chain strand (3) made of chain links (4) of a predetermined geometry. The device comprises a retaining device (5) comprising an insertion segment (7) at one end (6) that can be inserted in an opening (8) of the end link, and a retaining segment (5). The retaining segment comprises a cross section (28) on which the end link can be placed in a limited number of retaining positions, preferably only one single retaining position, from the insertion segment (7). The device further comprises a closure element (12) by which the end link can be permanently secured to the retaining device. In order to prevent tilting of the end link on the retaining device during operation, according to the invention the closure element forms a stop (14) by which a motion of the end link out of the retaining segment (10) in the direction of the insertion segment (7) is blocked.