Chain Shackle Segmented Halves for Hoist Chain Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chain hoist locking mechanisms, particularly those using pins, face issues with high bending stress, incorrect positioning during chain changes, and unfavorable surface pressure due to point contact, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A chain shackle comprising two identical shackle halves that form spaces to securely lock chain loops, reducing bending stress and providing a larger surface contact area, allowing for correct installation and versatile use across different hoist configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pin is used to lock the chain loop, then the chain can be secured to the hook cylinder, but the pin is subjected to high bending stress and may fail due to incorrect positioning or notches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain locking reliabilityVSAvoidpin bending strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The chain shackle is divided into two identical shackle halves that are installable against each other, creating a segmented structure that eliminates the need for a separate pin while maintaining secure chain locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a pin that passes through the chain loop and supports itself against the hook cylinder, the invention inverts the approach by having the shackle halves form the locking structure directly, with the chain loop passing through the formed space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If a pin with large diameter is used to reduce bending stress, then the pin strength increases, but it cannot be pushed through the chain loop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepin bending strengthVSAvoidpin installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shackle is segmented into two halves that can be installed separately and then joined together, allowing the chain loop to pass through the formed space without requiring a large-diameter pin to be forced through

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shackle halves create a three-dimensional space that the chain loop can pass through, transitioning from a linear pin insertion approach to a spatial configuration that accommodates the chain loop

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a pin is used for chain locking, then the chain can be secured, but the surface pressure between the chain loop and pin is unfavorable due to point contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain locking reliabilityVSAvoidsurface pressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The shackle is divided into two halves that create an extended contact surface with the chain loop, transforming the point contact of a pin into a distributed surface contact that reduces stress concentration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If multiple different locking elements are used for different chain locking locations, then each location can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain locking reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of locking elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chain shackle with two identical halves is designed to be universally applicable in all locations requiring chain locking, including the hook cylinder, chain hoist frame, and chain bag, eliminating the need for multiple different locking elements

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the function of multiple different locking elements into a single standardized chain shackle design that can be used in all chain locking locations, reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2903927B1Chain shackle
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY
  • EP2903927B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1g
  • EP2903927B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2903927B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a chain shackle for fastening a hoist chain of a chain hoist to a hoisting member or the chain hoist. The chain shackle comprises two identical shackle halves (1a) installable against each other to work together in such a manner that they form between them a first space (A) for one chain loop or chain loop half of the hoist chain to lock it against the hoisting direction or force, the first space being open in a first direction in the longitudinal direction of the chain shackle, and a second space (B) connected to the first space and intended for a second hoist chain loop that is coupled with the first chain loop or is to be coupled with a chain loop half, the second space being open in both longitudinal directions of the hoist chain.