Chain Link Pivot Engagement Prevents Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy-conducting chain links often experience unintentional separation of side tabs and transverse crosspieces under force, leading to instability and assembly challenges.
Innovation Solution
A chain link design featuring parallel side tabs and a transverse crosspiece with pivot groups and engagement groups, where the transverse crosspiece is securely engaged with the side tabs through a contact surface and locking element, preventing accidental release and allowing for easy assembly and modular connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transverse crosspiece is connected with side tabs by insertion and engagement using connection elements, then the chain link can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the connection can be unintentionally separated under force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static insertion-engagement mechanism to a dynamic two-stage process: first pivoting the transverse crosspiece about the pivot axis formed by contact surfaces and accommodations, then engaging the locking element with the counter-bearing. This dynamic sequence ensures proper alignment during assembly while preventing accidental separation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot groups with contact surfaces and accommodations perform a preliminary action by establishing the pivot axis and guiding the transverse crosspiece into the correct position before the final locking engagement. This preliminary alignment ensures that the locking element and counter-bearing engage properly, creating a secure connection that resists unintentional separation.
2Productivity
If the connection elements allow separation for easy assembly, then the chain link can be quickly constructed, but the side tabs and transverse crosspiece may separate unintentionally under force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two distinct functional groups: pivot groups for alignment and initial positioning, and engagement groups with locking elements for secure attachment. This segmentation allows rapid assembly through sequential operations while ensuring structural integrity through the dedicated locking mechanism that prevents unintentional separation under force.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis, formed by the interaction of contact surfaces and accommodations, acts as an intermediary mechanism that guides the transverse crosspiece into proper alignment before the locking element engages with the counter-bearing. This intermediary step ensures both quick assembly and reliable connection by mediating between the initial insertion and final locked state.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is achieved through engagement elements, then unintentional separation is prevented, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot groups and engagement groups are merged into a single integrated connection system where the contact surfaces and accommodations on the side tabs work together with the corresponding elements on the transverse crosspiece. This merging reduces overall complexity by combining alignment and locking functions into one coordinated mechanism rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces and accommodations serve multiple functions: they form the pivot axis for rotation, guide the transverse crosspiece during assembly, and work in conjunction with the locking element and counter-bearing to create the secure connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection security.
Data Source
AI summary
A link of an energy chain has two parallel side flaps and at least one horizontal web. The two side flaps and the at least one horizontal web are connected to each other by positioning, pivoting and engaging. Two pivoting groups are provided, including in each case a contact surface and a relevant intake for positioning the contact surface in such a way that the pivoting groups in the positioned state form a pivoting axis transversely to the longitudinal axis of the chain link. Furthermore, two engagement groups are provided which in each case are formed by a locking element and a relevant abutment for receiving the locking element. A chain link can be assembled in a simple manner by a plurality of different horizontal webs and side flaps, wherein the connection between the horizontal web and the side flap cannot be randomly released.