Chain Link Structure for Misalignment Tolerance and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain transmission systems, both bushed and bushless, face issues with deformation, reduced service life, and limited misalignment tolerance due to friction wear and machining complexities, particularly when subjected to bending in the width direction.
Innovation Solution
A chain design featuring alternately pivotably coupled outer and inner links with a position restricting part, where bushings are rotatably inserted into inner plates, and rollers or radially expanded bushings serve to restrict inward movement of inner plates, dispersing sliding contact points and reducing wear, allowing for increased misalignment tolerance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bushings are pressed through and fixed to inner plates, then the chain structure is stabilized, but deformation of inner plates and distortion of bushings occurs accelerating friction wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressing and fixing process of bushings to inner plates, extracting the harmful deformation and distortion effects while maintaining chain structure stability through alternative means (position restricting parts)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the function of stabilizing inner plates from the bushing fixation process. Position restricting parts are introduced as separate components to restrict inward movement of inner plates, while bushings are only rotatably inserted without pressing fixation
2Adaptability or versatility
If clearance between pins and bushings is increased to improve widthwise bendability, then misalignment tolerance is improved, but friction wear increases due to sliding contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position restricting parts as intermediary components that mediate between the pins and inner plates. These parts restrict inward movement of inner plates while allowing the necessary clearance for widthwise bendability, reducing direct sliding contact wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where inner plates can move inward during operation but are restricted by position restricting parts. This dynamic restriction allows misalignment tolerance while controlling wear through regulated contact points
3Reliability
If bushless chain design is used to eliminate pressing fixation, then deformation of inner plates is reduced, but widthwise bendability is limited by clearance between pins and inner plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functions of wear reduction and bendability enhancement into separate components: bushings provide wear-resistant rotation while position restricting parts enable controlled inward movement for widthwise bendability
Solution Approach 2:
Position restricting parts act as intermediaries that enable widthwise bendability by allowing controlled inward movement of inner plates without compromising the wear-resistant bushing structure
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 solution enhances the chain's strength, wear resistance, and durability, while simplifying the production process and reducing material waste, allowing for greater misalignment tolerance and extended service life by adjusting clearances between components.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of outer links with pins; a plurality of inner links with bushings, the outer links and the inner links being alternately and pivotably coupled together in the longitudinal direction of the chain by the pins rotatably inserted in the bushings
Implementation Method 2
a position restricting part positioned between each pair of the inner plates to restrict inward movement of each pair of inner plates in a chain width direction
Implementation Method 3
A large force applied to the open edge of the bushing hole 222 can cause deformation of the inner plates 221 and distortion of the inside diameter of the bushings 225. This would accelerate friction wear caused by the sliding contact between the pins 215 and the bushings 225
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a chain that is easy to assemble, has a longer life and smaller size, and allows larger tolerance for misalignment. The object is achieved by a chain including a plurality of outer links each having a pair of outer plates and pins, and a plurality of inner links each having a pair of inner plates and bushings, alternately and pivotably coupled together in the longitudinal direction of the chain by the pins rotatably inserted into the bushings, with a position restricting part positioned between each pair of the inner plates to restrict inward movement of each pair of inner plates in the chain width direction. The bushings are rotatably inserted in respective bushing holes of each pair of inner plates.