Segmented Chain Link Unit with Neck-Restrained Assembling Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain link units are difficult for end-users to reassemble without specialized equipment, as they require riveting machines to hold chain plates and rods together.
Innovation Solution
The link unit design features two spaced-apart chain plates with offset sections, a connecting hole with distinct hole portions and a neck portion, and an assembling rod that is inserted removably through the connecting hole, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by preventing movement past the neck portion, enabling end-users to assemble and disassemble the chain units without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional riveting machines are used to assemble chain rods and chain plates, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of reassembly by end-users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting hole is segmented into three distinct portions: a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a neck portion connecting them. This segmentation allows the assembling rod to be inserted through the first hole portion, restrained by the neck portion, and positioned in the second hole portion, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The neck portion acts as an intermediary element between the first and second hole portions. It provides a restraint mechanism that prevents the assembling rod from being completely removed, thereby maintaining connection strength while allowing easy insertion and assembly by end-users without specialized tools
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized riveting equipment is required for assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex riveting machine is extracted and replaced by a simple assembling rod with a corresponding connecting hole structure. The precision previously requiring specialized equipment is now achieved through the geometric design of the connecting hole with its first hole portion, second hole portion, and neck portion, eliminating the need for complex assembly equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The assembling rod serves as a simple, inexpensive alternative to expensive riveting machines. While the assembling rod may be removed or replaced, it provides sufficient assembly precision without requiring costly specialized equipment, making the overall system simpler and more accessible
Data Source
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AI summary
A link unit includes two first chain plates and an assembling rod. Each of the first chain plates has a first inner end section, a first outer end section offset from the first inner end section, an inner surface facing the other one of the first plates, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The first outer end section of each of the first chain plates is formed with a connecting hole that has a first hole portion, a second hole portion, and a neck portion located between the first and second hole portions. The assembling rod is inserted through the connecting hole of each of the first chain plates, and is prevented from moving past the neck portions of the first chain plates so as to be positioned in the second hole portions of the first chain plates.