Convex Chain Link Pressure Sections to Prevent Sprocket Edge Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Herringbone tooth chains experience local load-induced deformations, leading to edge wear and excessive wear of chain links and chain pockets, resulting in a ducktail formation.
Innovation Solution
Designing the end face of the bow in the pressure sections with a convex curve in the direction of bow extension, allowing for a point load that deforms into a larger contact surface under load, reducing surface pressure and preventing edge wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the pressure sections are designed straight to achieve large-area contact, then the contact surface area is increased, but edge wear occurs due to load-induced deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sections are designed with a convex curve instead of being straight, creating a rounded contact surface that adapts to load-induced deformations and prevents edge wear by distributing contact pressure more evenly
Solution Approach 2:
The convex curved design allows the contact surface to dynamically adapt its effective area under load, as the deformation causes different portions of the curved surface to engage, maintaining optimal contact without edge concentration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pressure sections are curved to prevent edge wear, then edge wear is reduced, but the initial contact surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curved pressure sections provide a dynamic contact surface that expands in effective area under load through deformation, converting the initial smaller geometric area into a larger functional contact area during operation
3Device complexity
If a point load contact is designed, then the structure is simpler, but the surface pressure becomes too high under load
Solution Approach 1:
The convex curved design transforms a theoretical point load into a distributed contact pressure by creating a rounded surface that deforms under load to increase contact area, reducing peak surface pressure while maintaining structural simplicity
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 adaptive contact surface design reduces edge wear and maintains a low surface pressure, ensuring safe and long-lasting operation of the chain even under heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
due to the flattening deformation of the pressure section in the chain pocket due to the point load during operation, the actual contact surface is larger than in the unloaded state; the deformation increases the radius of curvature of the pressure sections
Data Source
Figure 1~3C
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain, in particular for a conveyor, with a first chain link 1, in particular designed as a horizontal chain link, the chain link 1 having two legs 2, 2.1 and two bends 3, 3.1 connecting the legs 2, 2.1 by their respective extension 4, wherein the end face 8 of at least one bend 3, 3.1, pointing outwards in the division direction 5, comprises two pressure sections 9, 9.1 spaced apart from each other in bend extension 4, 4.1 and an intermediate section 10 connecting the pressure sections 9, 9.1, wherein the pressure sections 9, 9.1 each provide a contact surface 13, 13.1 between the chain link 1 and a corresponding chain pocket 11 of a sprocket for introducing a tensile force into the chain. A special characteristic is that the frontal surface 8 of the bow 3, 3.1 in the direction of the bow extension 4, 4.1 in its pressure sections 9, 9.1 is convexly curved and in its intermediate section 10 has at least section by section a smaller radius of curvature than in the pressure sections 9, 9.1.