Integrated Chain Pre-Stretching and Length Measurement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chain pre-tensioning and length measurement processes are inefficient, requiring excessive human labor and facilities, and struggle to effectively control chain length precision due to separate equipment and fixed pre-tensioning forces and times.

Innovation Solution

A chain intelligent pre-tensioning and chain length detection device that integrates pre-tensioning and measurement on a single device, using a servo system and stepper motor with sensors and guide rails to adjust and control pre-tensioning forces, allowing for automatic measurement and adjustment of chain length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If chain pre-tensioning and chain length measurement are performed separately on different facilities, then the pre-tensioning process can be simplified, but the chain length precision cannot be effectively controlled and excessive human labor and facilities are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacility structureVSAvoidchain length precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pre-tensioning facility and length measurement facility into a single integrated device. The pre-tensioning power device and length measuring device share the same work platform and control system, allowing simultaneous pre-tensioning and measurement without transferring the chain between separate facilities, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated facility serves multiple functions: it can perform pre-tensioning, length measurement, and data processing within a single system. The work platform and control console support both pre-tensioning operations and measurement operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If fixed pre-tensioning force and pre-tensioning time are used, then the pre-tensioning process is simple to operate, but the chain length precision cannot be effectively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidchain length precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of pre-tensioning force and time through the control console, which receives length measurement data and automatically adjusts pre-tensioning parameters. The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically adjustable parameters, allowing optimization of chain length precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control console receives information from the length measuring device and uses this feedback to adjust and control the pre-tensioning power device. This closed-loop feedback system allows the pre-tensioning parameters to be optimized based on actual chain length measurements, improving precision while keeping the operation simple through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If pre-tensioning and chain length measurement are performed on the same integrated device, then the efficiency is improved and quality is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pre-tensioning power device, measuring power device, and length measuring device into a single integrated facility with a shared work platform and control system. This combination eliminates the need for separate facilities and manual transfer operations, significantly improving productivity while managing device complexity through shared components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances manufacturing efficiency, improves product quality, reduces labor and facility needs, and ensures precise chain length control, automating the process to meet predetermined specifications.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-tensioning force sensor, a second fixing block, a second large pallet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The pre-tensioning power device includes a servo system, a decelerator, a belt, a second screw, a second nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3623749B1Method for performing intelligent pre-stretching on chain and detecting length of chain and device thereof
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 HANGZHOU DONGHUA CHAIN GRP
  • EP3623749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623749B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623749B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a chain intelligent pre-tensioning and chain length detection method and device thereof. The device includes a rack, a work platform, a pre-tensioning power device, a measuring power device, a length measuring device and a console. The console receives the information of the length measuring device to adjust and control the pre-tensioning power device. The pre-tensioning and chain length measurement adopts a combination structure of an independently operated screw loading system as well as 2 sets of unique straight guide rails and 4 pallets mounted on the guide rail. In the meantime, two sets of loading systems are adopted. The pre-tensioning force loading adopts the servo system and works with decelerator and precision grinding screw for loading. The measuring force loading adopts stepper motor and works with precision grinding screw for loading. The pre-tensioning and measurement adopt two tensile force sensors, so that chain pre-tensioning force and the chain length measuring force can be controlled accurately. Through the above configuration, the accuracy of chain length measurement can be ensured. The length measuring device includes a grating ruler, a straight guide rail and an automatic measuring head disposed on one side of the work platform. A plurality of clamps are equally spaced apart on the work platform. The disclosure can bring high production efficiency with good quality.