Detachable Connector Bow Geometry for Higher Fatigue Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Kenter-style detachable connectors for chains and anchors lack optimal material utilization and fatigue strength, and they do not effectively transition from a circular cross-section to a flattened exterior, which limits their structural integrity and load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A detachable connector design featuring two identical J-shaped elements with a bow extending 180 degrees, transitioning from a circular cross-section to a flattened exterior, and incorporating geometric transitions to optimize material utilization and increase load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Kenter-style detachable connectors are used, then the connector can join chain links and anchors, but the material utilization is not optimal and fatigue strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the bow cross-section from circular to flattened geometry, and by implementing specific geometric transitions (45-degree and 90-degree angles) in the bow structure. These parameter changes optimize material distribution to enhance fatigue strength while improving material utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating different cross-sectional shapes at different locations of the bow. The top cross-section is flattened to interface with chain links, while mid cross-sections are isosceles trapezoids, and joiner cross-sections have specific angular transitions. This localized variation in geometry optimizes both fatigue strength and material utilization at each critical position.
2Strength
If the connector exterior is made no larger than chain links, then it can be received in other connectors, but structural integrity and load capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bow cross-sections to achieve higher load capacity within constrained dimensions. The transition from circular to flattened cross-sections, and the specific angular transitions (45-degree and 90-degree), optimize the distribution of material to maximize strength while maintaining compact exterior dimensions suitable for receiving in other connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating material in specific regions of the bow where stress is highest. The flattened top cross-section provides interface strength with chain links, while the isosceles trapezoid mid cross-sections and angular joiner cross-sections provide structural reinforcement at critical transition zones, achieving high load capacity within limited overall dimensions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bow has a circular cross-section, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the transition to flattened exterior is not achieved and structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by defining specific geometric transitions in the bow cross-section. The transition from circular top cross-section to flattened mid cross-sections at 45-degree angles, and then to joiner cross-sections at 90-degree angles, achieves the required flattened exterior while providing clear manufacturing parameters for each transition zone, balancing structural integrity with manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A high fatigue life detachable connector. The connector includes two J-shaped elements configured to be coupled to each other with a coupling element therebetween. Each of the J-shaped elements has a shorter leg and an opposed longer leg with the legs drawn together by a bow. Each bow has a top cross-section which transitions to a pair of opposed mid cross-sections 45 degrees from the top cross-section, and which thereafter transitions to a pair of opposed joiner cross-sections 90 degrees from the top cross-section, wherein the top cross-section has a substantially flat top exterior and an opposed radiused interior, resulting in optimized material utilization and structural integrity.