Integrated Chain Tensioning Element for Jaw Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chain driven jaw systems in package filling machines experience high friction and wear due to the arrangement of tensioners, leading to increased workload on servo motors and additional wear on fixed cams, resulting in inefficient operation and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device with a chain tensioning element shaped and angled to integrate with the fixed cam at a pivot connection, providing continuous support and reducing vibrations by allowing the chain to smoothly transition onto the cam, thus minimizing friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tensioners with movable shoes and rolling tracks are used, then chain tension is maintained, but friction and wear on rollers and cams increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tensioning function directly into the fixed cam structure by integrating a tensioning element with the cam. This eliminates the need for separate movable tensioners with rolling tracks, thereby reducing friction and wear while maintaining chain tension. The tensioning element is positioned to engage the chain at a point away from the cam center, creating a moment arm that provides tensioning force without requiring high-friction contact interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful rolling track interface from the system by removing the traditional movable tensioner with side-by-side rolling tracks. Instead, the tensioning function is achieved through a simplified element that integrates with the fixed cam, eliminating the source of high friction and wear that occurred at the rolling tracks and jaw rollers.
2Reliability
If traditional tensioners are used to maintain chain tension, then chain contact with cams is ensured, but workload on servo motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the tensioning function into the fixed cam structure, the system eliminates the need for additional active tensioning mechanisms that would require motor power. The integrated tensioning element uses the cam's own structure and the chain's tension to maintain jaw-cam contact, thereby reducing the workload on the servo motor while ensuring reliable contact.
3Reliability
If traditional tensioners with high friction are used, then chain tension is maintained, but wear on fixed cam increases due to impact force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the source of impact forces by eliminating the traditional tensioner arrangement that creates hammering on the chain and cam. The integrated tensioning element provides smooth, continuous tension without the high-impact contact that occurs with separate movable tensioners, thereby reducing wear on the fixed cam while maintaining chain tension.
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 reduces wear on components, decreases the workload on motor drives, and enables smoother operation, leading to a more predictable maintenance schedule and increased system throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The chain tensioning element 103 comprises a pivot connection 105, and the chain tensioning element is configured to be integrated with the fixed cam 101 at the pivot connection 105 such that the chain tensioning element 103 abuts the fixed cam 101 at the pivot connection 105 and can move to tension the chain 102.
Implementation Method 2
the chain tensioning element 103 is shaped and angled so to receive the chain 102 on an outer surface 104 directed away from a center (C) of the chain driven jaw system 200
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A tensioning device (100) for a chain driven jaw system in a package filling machine is disclosed. The chain driven jaw system has a fixed cam (101) and a chain (102) as a follower. The tensioning device (100) comprises a chain tensioning element (103) shaped and angled so to receive the chain (102) on an outer surface (104) thereof configured to be directed away from a center (C) of the chain driven jaw system, wherein the chain tensioning element (103) comprises a pivot connection (105), and wherein the chain tensioning element (103) is configured to be integrated with the fixed cam (101) at the pivot connection (105) such that the chain tensioning element (103) abuts the fixed cam (101) at the pivot connection (105) and can move to tension the chain (102). A chain driven jaw system (200) and a related method (300) is also disclosed.