Curved Chain Guide Stretch Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable partition systems face challenges in maintaining proper alignment and stability during installation due to the limitations of manufacturing techniques, which often result in cracks and unacceptable strain deformation, especially when forming curved chain guide structures with wide widths.
Innovation Solution
The development of an overhead support system featuring an elongated chain guide structure with a curved path, comprising a longitudinally extending central beam, attachment flanges, and chain guide members, formed using a stretch-forming process that applies tensile forces beyond the yield point of the material to achieve a maximum width of at least 60 mm without deformation, and secured using fasteners that minimize lateral and vertical deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manufacturing techniques are used to form curved chain guide structures, then the installation process is simpler, but the structures develop cracks and unacceptable strain deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies stretch-forming technology to change the manufacturing parameters, applying tensile forces beyond the yield point of the material to reshape the chain guide structure into curved configurations without causing cracks or unacceptable deformation. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the manufacturing process to achieve both structural integrity and curved geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment and positioning of the chain guide structure before final installation. The structure is pre-formed with proper curvature and dimensions using stretch-forming, then positioned and secured with fasteners that minimize deflection, ensuring proper alignment is established before the structure is fully installed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the chain guide structure is made wider to improve stability, then alignment is better maintained, but manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the chain guide structure shall have a maximum width of at least 60 mm, achieved through stretch-forming technology. This width provides sufficient stability and alignment capability while the manufacturing process accommodates the dimensional requirement by applying controlled tensile forces during forming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved configurations of the chain guide structure rather than straight linear forms. The curvature is achieved through stretch-forming, which allows the structure to follow curved paths while maintaining structural integrity and proper alignment throughout its extended length.
3Ease of manufacture
If fasteners are used to secure the chain guide structure, then installation is simplified, but lateral and vertical deflection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects and positions fasteners specifically to minimize lateral and vertical deflection of the chain guide structure. The fastening system is designed in advance to counteract potential deflection forces, with fasteners placed at locations that provide maximum structural support and alignment maintenance during and after installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the chain guide structure follows a curved path for flexible partition movement, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly designs the chain guide structure to extend along a curved path, enabling the movable partition to follow curved trajectories. The curved geometry is achieved through stretch-forming technology, which applies controlled tensile forces to reshape the material into precise curved configurations without causing structural defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stretch-forming to change the physical parameters of the chain guide structure, transforming it from a straight to a curved configuration. This process allows precise control over the curvature radius and path geometry, achieving the desired curved form with high manufacturing precision and structural integrity.
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 enables the creation of stable and wide curved chain guide structures that maintain proper alignment and prevent deformation, allowing for efficient installation and operation of movable partitions as sound, fire, or security barriers.
Implementation Method 1
applying a tensile force to the elongated unitary body that results in tension within the elongated unitary body higher than a yield point of a material of the elongated unitary body
Data Source
AI summary
Movable partition systems may include a chain guide structure extending along a curved path. The chain guide structure may have a specified maximum width, and may include attachment flanges that project laterally from a central beam beyond laterally outward ends of chain guide members of the chain guide structure by a specified minimum distance. Overhead support systems for movable partition systems may include such chain guide structures. Methods of forming overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include stretch forming a bent chain guide structure. Methods of installing overhead support systems and movable partition systems may include inserting fasteners at least substantially perpendicularly through attachment flanges of a chain guide structure to secure the chain guide structure to an overhead structure.