Chain Lock Securing Bolt Structure for Corrosion-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain locks face difficulties in being opened after exposure to corrosive environments due to corrosion between engagement elements and seats, leading to slow or impossible operation.
Innovation Solution
A chain lock design featuring a securing bolt with two bolt members, where one bolt member has an axial channel with pressure bodies that can be prestressed and connected to the second bolt member as a sleeve, allowing for a positive engagement without requiring a locking contour in the seat recess, enabling easy removal even in corrosive conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking pin with spring elements and pressure bodies is used to secure the chain lock, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the difficulty of removal increases due to corrosion between engagement elements and seats
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is divided into two separate bolt members (first bolt member and second bolt member) that can be independently removed. The first bolt member contains the pressure bodies and spring elements, while the second bolt member serves as a connecting sleeve. This segmentation allows the first bolt member to be driven out independently to open the chain lock, even when corrosion occurs between the second bolt member and the seat recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The critical engagement function is extracted from the bolt members and transferred to the pressure bodies (balls) that engage with grooves in the lock parts. The bolt members themselves do not require engagement contours in the seats, only the pressure bodies need grooves. This extraction allows the bolt members to be easily removed by driving out the first bolt member, while the pressure bodies remain engaged with the lock parts to maintain connection reliability.
2Strength
If pressure bodies are held in openings in the first bolt member with radial extent greater than the opening, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the axial channel and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the first bolt member: it serves as the mounting structure for the pressure bodies, contains the axial channel for the locking pin, houses the spring elements, and provides the connecting section for the second bolt member. This consolidation reduces the overall number of separate components while maintaining the necessary connection strength through the radially extending pressure bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The first bolt member is designed as a multi-functional component that combines the features of a mounting bracket, a pressure vessel (containing pressure bodies), a guide channel (axial channel), and a connector (for the second bolt member). This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 design ensures the chain lock can be easily opened and reused multiple times without impairment, as the pressure bodies can be prestressed to create a secure connection and driven out without being hindered by corrosion, maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
This locking pin carries at least one spring element that can be expanded in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
several pressure bodies held in the connecting section of the first bolt link which are adjustable in the radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A chain lock 1 for a link chain is described, comprising two lock parts 2, 3 that engage positively with each other in the direction of tensile load on the chain lock 1, and a locking bolt 6 which, mounted transversely to the plane of the flat side of the chain lock 1, engages in opposing seats 7, 8 of the two lock parts 1, 2. The locking bolt 6 has a first and a second bolt link 15, 16. Each bolt link 15, 16 has a stop 19 that interacts transversely to the plane of the flat side of the chain lock 1 with a stop surface 14, 14.1 of the locking bolt seat.