Energy Chain Crossbar With Pivot Locking for Fast Tool-Free Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain links in energy chains require complex and cumbersome mechanisms for attaching and detaching crossbars, often necessitating tools and being prone to mechanical damage, which slows down assembly and disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A crossbar design with pivoting locking elements that allow for quick and secure attachment and detachment by pivoting motion, featuring an arc-shaped guide for precise guidance and manual actuation, eliminating the need for additional retaining means and reducing mechanical vulnerabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap-fit connection is used to attach the crossbar to the side panel, then the crossbar is securely fixed to the side panel, but the crossbar cannot be easily and quickly attached or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a pivoting part that can dynamically change position between locked and unlocked states. The locking section moves from a locked position to an unlocked position through pivoting motion, allowing the crossbar to be securely fixed when locked and easily removed when unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element changes its spatial configuration through pivoting motion. The locking section transitions between different angular positions to achieve locked and unlocked states, changing the geometric parameter of the connection from engaged to disengaged.
2Reliability
If a locking element with toggle lever construction is used, then the crossbar can be locked to the side of the chain link, but the construction is relatively complex to manufacture and the hinges are sensitive to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into distinct functional parts: a locking section for engagement with the side panel and an actuating section for operation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional toggle lever mechanism with multiple hinges, the invention inverts the approach by using a pivoting locking section that moves directly between locked and unlocked positions through a single pivot point, eliminating the need for complex hinge assemblies.
3Reliability
If a locking element with film connections is used, then the crossbar can be locked to the side panel, but the film connections are comparatively sensitive to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a robust, replaceable component that can withstand mechanical stress. The pivoting mechanism uses durable materials and simple geometry that are more resistant to mechanical damage compared to film connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting motion follows a curved path defined by the pivot point, allowing the locking section to move smoothly between positions. The arc-shaped guide ensures proper alignment and reduces stress concentrations that could lead to mechanical damage.
4Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to securely fix the crossbar, then the crossbar is securely fixed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-positioned in a ready-to-lock configuration. The actuating section is designed to be easily accessible, allowing the user to quickly pivot the locking section into the locked position without requiring complex manipulation or preliminary steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic pivoting motion instead of static assembly steps. The locking section can be quickly transitioned between locked and unlocked states through a single rotational movement, significantly reducing the time required for assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain link of an energy chain with two side parts and a crossbar for the detachable connection of the two side parts. The fastening area of the crossbar comprises a locking element which can be moved into a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking element comprises an actuating section for selectively moving it into its locking or unlocking position, as well as a locking section for engaging the side part. The locking element is designed as a pivoting part, and when the locking element is actuated, the locking section is moved, at least in part of its movement, from the locking position to its unlocking position or vice versa in a pivoting motion.The crossbar can be loosely inserted into the holding section of the side panel for the crossbar from a direction perpendicular to the narrow side of the side panel until the desired position of the crossbar is reached.