Composite Ornamental Chain Structure for Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ornamental chains made of metal materials, such as aluminum, are heavier than desired while aiming to provide both aesthetic and structural properties.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a tubular polymer core enclosed within a tubular metal casing is used to create an ornamental chain, reducing weight by up to 70% compared to aluminum chains of the same volume, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal through steps like extrusion, straightening, drawing, firing, and polishing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ornamental chains are made of metal materials such as aluminum to provide structural properties and aesthetic value, then strength and aesthetic properties are improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural propertiesVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining a polymer core with a metal casing to create a hybrid structure. The polymer core provides lightweight properties while the metal casing provides structural strength and aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and maintaining structural properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by distributing different material properties to different parts of the chain structure. The inner polymer core provides lightweight properties where mass reduction is critical, while the outer metal casing provides strength and aesthetics where these properties are needed, optimizing the overall performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of moving object

If ornamental chains are made of polymer materials to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but structural strength and aesthetic properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to overcome the limitations of pure polymer materials. The polymer core provides weight reduction while the metal casing restores structural strength and aesthetic properties, achieving a balance that neither material could provide alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the polymer core inside the metal casing, creating a layered structure where each material contributes its advantageous properties. This nested configuration allows the lightweight polymer to be protected and supported by the stronger metal outer layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 resulting ornamental chain achieves high aesthetic and functional properties with significantly reduced weight, preserving structural support and enhancing visual appeal.

Implementation Method 1

extrusion, straightening, drawing, firing, and polishing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Implementation Method 2

drawing, firing, and polishing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDrawing: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4331744A1Process for producing an ornamental chain and ornamental chain
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 MINERVAHUB SPA
  • EP4331744A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4331744A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4331744A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A process for producing an ornamental chain (1), comprising the following steps: arranging a tubular polymer core (2) inside a tubular metal casing (3) to form a layered tubular profile (4); cutting and bending the layered tubular profile (4) to form a plurality of shaped chain links (5); connecting the chain links (5) to form the ornamental chain (1). The invention also relates to an ornamental chain.