Chain Lock Fastening Mandrel Anti-Torque Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain lock designs face challenges in permanently attaching a chain end link to a securing part in a simple and reliable manner, as they are either complex to manufacture or vulnerable to being unscrewed under torque.
Innovation Solution
A chain lock design featuring a chain end link with a fastening mandrel, where the mandrel's insertion section has a non-circular cross-section extension that fits form-fittingly into a receiving opening of the securing part, allowing for secure attachment through radial pressing, pin engagement, or welding, effectively preventing twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a crimp connection is used to attach the chain end link to the locking component, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the connection becomes vulnerable to being unscrewed under high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mandrel features a non-circular cross-section (square, rectangular, or polygonal) that creates an asymmetric fit within the receiving opening. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement of the chain end link relative to the locking component, eliminating the vulnerability to unscrewing while maintaining a relatively simple crimp connection manufacturing process
2Ease of operation
If fastening pins are positioned within a circumferential groove to allow rotational connection, then the chain end link can rotate relative to the locking element, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular cross-section of the fastening mandrel (square, rectangular, or polygonal shape) provides inherent rotational positioning without requiring precise circumferential grooves. The asymmetric geometry naturally guides and constrains the mandrel's orientation during insertion, eliminating the need for high-precision groove positioning while still allowing the chain end link to rotate relative to the locking component
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple crimp connection is used without additional anti-rotation features, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the connection fails to absorb high torque effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular cross-section of the fastening mandrel (square, rectangular, or polygonal) provides inherent anti-rotation capability that significantly increases torque absorption capacity. This asymmetric geometry creates mechanical interlocking with the receiving opening, allowing the simple crimp connection to withstand high torque loads without requiring complex additional anti-rotation features
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A chain lock comprises at least one locking element and a chain permanently attached at one end to the locking element. The chain has a chain end link with a fastening pin, wherein an insertion section of the fastening pin is inserted into a receiving opening of the locking element, the insertion section of the fastening pin having a projection with a non-circular cross-section at its end. The receiving opening of the locking element has a receiving section in which the projection of the fastening pin is received, at least substantially, in a form-fitting manner.