Chain Slack Measurement Using Magnetic Extension Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring chain sag in tracked vehicles is cumbersome and expensive due to the need to remove protective elements covering the upper chain run, making it inaccessible for traditional measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves attaching rod-shaped extension elements with permanent magnets to the upper chain, allowing a cord to be stretched between them, with a measuring scale on a middle extension element to measure chain sag directly from a lower accessible level, eliminating the need to remove protective covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective elements (chain covers) are installed on the upper run of the chain, then the chain is protected, but the chain becomes inaccessible for measurement
Solution Approach 1:
Extension elements serve as intermediaries between the upper run of the chain and the measurement cord. These extension elements are attached to the chain at the upper run (which remains protected by covers) and extend downward to provide attachment points for the measurement cord at an accessible lower level, enabling measurement without removing protective elements
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from a horizontal arrangement (cord attached directly to upper run) to a vertical arrangement (extension elements hanging downward with cord attached at lower level). This dimensional change allows measurement while maintaining protective covers on the upper run
2Measurement precision
If protective elements are removed to measure chain slack, then measurement is possible, but additional work and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The extension elements are pre-attached to the upper run of the chain before measurement begins. This preliminary setup allows the measurement cord to be attached at a lower, accessible level without requiring removal of protective elements during the measurement process, saving time and effort
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used with protective elements in place, then measurement can be performed, but operator effort and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extending measurement reference points vertically downward from the upper run to an accessible lower level, the measurement can be performed at a convenient height without requiring operators to lift heavy protective elements or use additional lifting equipment
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
Enables quick and cost-effective chain tension measurement with chain covers installed, reducing operator effort and eliminating the need for additional lifting devices.
Implementation Method 1
A basic idea of the invention is to move the measurement of the chain slack to a lower level than the upper run of the chain. The comparison element, for example the cord, is no longer attached directly to the end connectors, but extension elements designed as rods, for example, are attached to the upper run of the chain
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring the slack of chain on a tracked vehicle. On the upper strand (2) of the chain, three extension elements (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) of predetermined length are fixed running vertically from the upper strand downwards in such a way that a first and a second extension element (3.1, 3.2) are arranged, one at the starting point and the other at the end point, of a predetermined segment (L) of the upper strand (2), while a third extension element (3.3) is arranged at the middle (M) of the predetermined segment (L). On the first and second extension elements (3.1, 3.2), the ends of a cord (4) are fastened at a predetermined height below the upper strand (2) of the chain in such a way that said cord is stretched horizontally between the first and second extension elements (3.1, 3.2). By means of the third extension element (3.3), which carries a measuring scale (3.32), the vertical distance from the middle of the segment (L) of the upper strand (2) of the chain to the middle of the cord (4) is determined. The extension elements (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) can be shaped like rods which carry on one end thereof a fastening plate (3.11, 3.21, 3.31) formed as a permanent magnet.