Coupling Link Wedge Locking Mechanism for Mining Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling links used in heavy load-bearing chains, such as those in dragline mining operations, often suffer from premature failures and are difficult to install and remove, posing safety hazards and economic losses due to their susceptibility to wear and high load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coupling link design featuring interlocking link components with complementary hook structures and a removable support that can be secured without a hammer, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporating wear caps for extended chain life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional retainers are used to hold coupling link components together, then the coupling link can withstand high loads and adverse wear conditions, but the retainers become difficult to remove due to earthen fines, distortion, and corrosion, and require a hammer for installation and removal which poses safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical retainer system (requiring hammer impact) with a wedge-based mechanical advantage system. The wedge-shaped component converts rotational motion into linear displacement, allowing the locking element to be secured and released through rotational movement rather than hammer impact, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wedge-shaped intermediary component that mediates between the rotational input and the linear locking action. This wedge acts as a mechanical translator, converting the rotational movement of the locking element into the linear displacement needed to secure or release the coupling link, thereby enabling tool-free operation while maintaining structural integrity
2Strength
If coupling links are designed to withstand high loads and adverse wear conditions, then they can survive digging operations, but they suffer premature failures and short life spans due to wear and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coupling link into separate, replaceable components including wear caps that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the wear-prone elements to be swapped out without replacing the entire coupling link, thereby extending the overall service life while maintaining the strength and load-bearing capacity of the main structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a wear cap system where the outer protective elements are designed to be discarded when worn and replaced with new ones. The main coupling link structure is recovered and reused, separating the consumable wear elements from the durable structural components, thereby extending service life while maintaining strength
3Productivity
If coupling links use traditional installation methods requiring a hammer, then they can be secured quickly, but workers face safety hazards from hammer use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hammer impact mechanism with a rotational locking mechanism based on mechanical advantage. The wedge-shaped component allows the locking element to be secured through rotational movement, eliminating the need for hammer strikes and associated safety hazards while maintaining quick installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the coupling link with a self-securing mechanism where the locking element automatically engages and secures the connection through rotational movement. The wedge geometry provides self-locking characteristics, allowing the connection to secure itself without requiring external force from a hammer, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining installation speed
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling link for connecting two parts together includes link components (which each form a partial link) that are joined together with a removable support. The support and link components are coupled together to withstand high loads and/or adverse wear conditions. The inventive construction is strong, durable, efficient, cost effective and easy to use. Wear caps are provided to facilitate extended usable chain life.