Compound Gearing System with Articulating Chain Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compound gearing systems using roller chains face inefficiencies due to space and material waste, as well as issues with chain cantilevering and slippage under load, particularly when using double-strand configurations, which hinder optimal engagement with toothed gears and make it difficult to achieve proper tension.
Innovation Solution
A compound gear system utilizing a single strand of roller chain with articulating gear support structures that securely engage the chain's side plates, allowing unimpeded access to the rollers for gear interaction while maintaining torque transfer capabilities, thus eliminating the need for a second strand to engage a support member and reducing slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a double strand roller chain is used to form a fixed engagement with a structural element, then the chain can be held into a fixed position, but space and material inefficiencies occur and the unsupported strand becomes skewed under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the function of holding the chain in a fixed position from the second strand of the double strand chain. Instead of using two strands, only one strand is used and its link plates are directly engaged by the structural element (circular element with link plate receiving grooves), while the rollers remain free to engage with the toothed gear. This eliminates the redundant second strand and resolves the material inefficiency while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the functions of the chain components: the link plates are dedicated to fixed engagement with the structural element, while the rollers are dedicated to meshing with the toothed gear teeth. This functional segmentation allows a single strand to perform both fixation and power transmission roles simultaneously, eliminating the need for a double strand configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a double strand roller chain is used with one strand engaged on support member teeth, then the chain can be held fixed, but the cantilevered structure causes the unsupported strand to skew and have less than optimal engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the cantilevered second strand entirely and instead directly engages the link plates of a single strand with the structural element. This eliminates the cantilevered structure that caused skewing, allowing the chain to maintain proper alignment and optimal engagement with the toothed gear under load.
3Loss of substance
If a single strand of roller chain is used, then space and material efficiency improve, but the chain requires a cantilevered structure that prevents optimal gear engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the structural element into two distinct functional components: link plate receiving grooves for fixed engagement and toothed gear elements for power transmission. This segmentation allows a single strand chain to be directly engaged without requiring a cantilevered support structure, simplifying the overall device while maintaining material efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a smooth cylindrical surface is used to support the chain, then the chain can be reeved about the element, but friction alone causes significant slippage under load
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics at different locations on the structural element: smooth cylindrical surface for chain reeve capability, and toothed gear surfaces for reliable torque transfer. The link plates engage with the smooth surface for versatility, while the rollers engage with the toothed surfaces for high reliability torque transfer without slippage.
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
This solution enhances space and material efficiency, prevents chain skewing, and maintains superior shock-absorbing and frictional characteristics, enabling reliable torque transfer and reduced wear, even under heavy loads, without compromising chain flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Roller chain compound gearing efficiently transmits power through the rolling action of the chain rollers during engagement with gear tooth contact, providing frictional advantages over gear tooth-to-gear tooth contact.
Implementation Method 2
Roller chain also provides shock resistance accommodation to fluctuating input forces or speeds through expanding and contracting or acting like a spring, thereby providing a means for avoiding responsive damage to the gearing system.
Implementation Method 3
The support structures transmit torque between the flexible gear elements and the rigid structure responsive to interaction of the flexible gear element middle areas with the sprocket gear teeth.
Data Source
AI summary
A compound gear system and method comprising a flexible gear defining an array of gear elements in an articulating relationship, a rigid structure defining first and second spaced parallel pluralities of articulating gear support structures arrayed in a ring, the articulating gear reeved tightly about and engaging the support structures, thereby restraining the flexible articulating gear from moving inwardly or rotationally relative to the rigid structure while enabling the flexible gear to expand outward, and at least one sprocket gear having a plurality of sprocket teeth aligned to engage flexible gear element middle areas. The support structures transmit torque between the flexible gear elements and the rigid structure responsive to interaction of the flexible gear element middle areas with the sprocket gear teeth.