Chain Link Notch and Roller Structure for Wear Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chain constructions face durability and maintenance challenges in acidic environments due to the limitations of plastic materials, and steel chains with separate side plates require precise manufacturing and are prone to wear and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A metal-constructed chain with complementary pieces made from thin sheet steel, featuring a notch aligned with the chain's center line and rotatable rollers to reduce friction and wear, allowing for easy assembly and minimizing material consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If plastic materials are used for shaped parts to reduce corrosion and specific weight, then the chain is lighter and more corrosion-resistant, but the durability and tensile strength of shaped parts deteriorate in acidic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic material (polymer composite) for the shaped parts to achieve corrosion resistance and weight reduction, while compensating for strength limitations through optimized geometric design including wall thickness parameters (t1, t2, t3) and structural reinforcements at critical locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the shaped parts, including wall thicknesses (t1, t2, t3), notch dimensions (a, b, c), and overall proportions to achieve the required mechanical strength while maintaining the benefits of plastic material. The parameters are specifically designed to ensure adequate tensile strength and flexural rigidity
2Power
If the depth of notch in shaped part is extended to chain's center line for optimal power transmission, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the flexural rigidity of shaped part decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the notch depth parameter (dimension 'a' in the drawings) to achieve the optimal balance between power transmission efficiency and structural strength. The notch extends sufficiently deep to engage the sprocket pins effectively for power transmission, while the remaining wall thickness maintains adequate flexural rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different wall thicknesses in different locations of the shaped part: thicker walls (t1) at the notch root for strength, optimized depth (a) for power transmission, and appropriate thickness (t2, t3) at other locations. This local variation in geometry optimizes both power transmission and structural integrity
3Strength
If the material thickness of shaped part at the notch is increased to improve tensile strength and flexural rigidity, then the strength of shaped part is improved, but the control of chain movement and monitoring of chain running becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal wall thickness parameters (t1, t2, t3) that provide adequate strength without excessive thickness. The parameters are designed to maintain the chain's ability to flex and move properly on sprockets while ensuring sufficient tensile strength and flexural rigidity for reliable operation
4Strength
If separate side plates with link pins are used in steel-constructed chain, then the chain can be constructed with high strength materials, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and wear resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the side plates and link pins into a single monolithic steel component manufactured as one piece. This eliminates the need for separate assembly of side plates and link pins, reducing manufacturing complexity and tolerance requirements while maintaining the high strength benefits of steel construction
Solution Approach 2:
The chain is constructed from discrete pieces of chain that can be manufactured separately and assembled in a standardized manner using the integrated side plate-link pin design, facilitating modular manufacturing and assembly
5Strength
If separate side plates with link pins are used in chain, then the chain can be constructed with high strength materials, but the maintenance and upkeep demand increases due to severe wearing
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of side plates and link pins into a single monolithic component eliminates wear interfaces between these parts, significantly reducing maintenance requirements. The integrated design removes the need for separate wear components and simplifies maintenance operations
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 durability, reduces maintenance needs, and minimizes vibration, leading to improved longevity and operational reliability with simplified manufacturing and assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
reducing friction and/or surface pressure between the piece of chain and mating surfaces of a sprocket by means of an expanded contact surface, included at a notch of the piece of chain
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a piece of chain for use in a metal-constructed chain, the chain being composed of pieces of chain (1) made up of lengthwise parallel side plates and connectible successively to each other by link pins at pivot points (4, 5) included in linking portions (lb) present at what are the opposite ends in its longitudinal direction (s). The chain is intended to be operated by a drive assembly which includes at least one sprocket (7) such as a drive, deflection pulley or the like, whereby in association with a bearing surface, present in a midsection of the chain-constructing piece of chain (1), is provided a notch (2 ) substantially transverse relative to the chain traveling direction (s) and consisting of a recess (2c) comprising a leading edge (2a) and a trailing edge (2b), and being, when the chain is being driven, in cooperation with substantially transverse mating surfaces (9) included in the sprocket (7) consistently with the successive notches (2 ) of the chain. The piece of chain (1) includes a back or edge member connecting its opposite side plates (la), and a supplementary arrangement (x) coupled in connection therewith for improving the wear resistance of a chain drive.