Ultra-Compact Chain Layout With Work-Hardened Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for ultra-compact chains that can be readily used in small-sized devices.
Innovation Solution
A chain design comprising pairs of inner link plates, cylindrical bushings, pins, and pairs of outer link plates, with specific dimensions and arrangements to achieve a pitch of 0.8 mm to 3 mm, utilizing work-hardening materials like austenitic stainless steel for improved mechanical strength and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pitch of the chain is reduced to make it ultra-compact, then the chain becomes suitable for small-sized devices, but the mechanical strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs austenitic stainless steel with specific compositional ranges (chromium: 16-26%, nickel: 10-20%, manganese: 4-10%, nitrogen: 0.015-0.10%) to create a composite material structure that achieves both high strength and compactness. This material composition allows the chain to maintain mechanical integrity while achieving an ultra-compact pitch of 3mm or less.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes work hardening to change the physical parameters of the austenitic stainless steel, transforming it from a softer annealed state to a hardened state with superior mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the chain to achieve both compact dimensions and high strength simultaneously through controlled plastic deformation during manufacturing.
2Volume of moving object
If the chain dimensions are reduced for compactness, then it fits small-sized devices, but the manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs controlled work hardening to change the material parameters of austenitic stainless steel, enabling precise dimensional control in ultra-compact chains. The work hardening process allows for consistent dimensional accuracy despite the small scale, transforming the material properties to achieve both compactness and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies selective work hardening to specific regions of the chain components, creating local quality variations that enhance dimensional accuracy. By controlling the degree of work hardening in different areas, the patent achieves uniform dimensional precision across the entire chain structure while maintaining ultra-compact dimensions.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to reduce chain weight, then the chain becomes suitable for portable devices, but the mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses austenitic stainless steel with optimized compositional parameters (specific ranges of chromium, nickel, manganese, and nitrogen) to create a lightweight yet high-strength material. This composite material structure achieves superior strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the chain to be both lightweight for portable devices and mechanically strong for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs work hardening to change the physical parameters of the austenitic stainless steel, dramatically increasing its strength without adding significant weight. This parameter transformation allows the chain to achieve lightweight construction while maintaining or even enhancing mechanical strength through controlled plastic deformation.
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 chain achieves a compact size, improved production efficiency, and maintains mechanical strength while reducing weight, making it suitable for small-sized devices such as medical endoscopes and industrial robots.
Implementation Method 1
The pins are respectively inserted into the bushings in a rotatable manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This chain (11) comprises a plurality of pairs of inner link plates (14), a plurality of cylindrical bushes (16), a plurality of pins (18) that are respectively inserted into the plurality of bushes (16), and a plurality of pairs of outer link plates (15). Each of the bushes (16) connects the inner link plates (14) together in the corresponding pair. The two outer link plates (15) in each pair are disposed so as to sandwich two mutually adjacent pairs of inner link plates (14) from the outside. Two outer link plates (15) in the corresponding pair are disposed at the ends of each pin (18). The plurality of bushes (16) and the plurality of pins (18) are disposed so that two pins (18) are positioned between the two outer link plates (15) in each pair. The distance (P1) between the axes of adjacent pins (18) is 0.8-3 mm.