Double-T Chain Link Structure for Lighter High-Strength Conveyor Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steel link chains used in conveyor systems, such as those in underground coal mining, face challenges in reducing weight while maintaining high breaking strength and stability, particularly under dynamic stresses and fatigue loads.
Innovation Solution
The chain link design features legs with a smaller cross-sectional area than the bends, incorporating a double-T support structure with an inclined support belt between the outer and inner belts, reducing material usage and weight, and a bulge in the outer belt for increased width at the leg ends, which helps in distributing tensile and shear forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the cross-sectional area of the legs is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight is reduced, but the strength and stability under dynamic stresses deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The leg cross-section is segmented into a double-T beam structure with multiple flanges and webs, dividing the material distribution into strategic locations that optimize both weight and strength. This segmentation allows material to be concentrated where stresses are highest while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-T beam structure implements local quality by varying the cross-sectional geometry within the leg itself. The flanges and webs are positioned to provide localized reinforcement at critical stress points while maintaining reduced overall cross-sectional area, achieving weight reduction without sacrificing breaking strength.
2Weight of moving object
If the cross-sectional area of the legs is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight is reduced, but the resistance to elastic deformation under tensile load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leg cross-section is segmented into a double-T beam structure with multiple flanges and webs, dividing the material distribution into strategic locations that optimize both weight and strength. This segmentation allows material to be concentrated where stresses are highest while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-T beam structure implements local quality by varying the cross-sectional geometry within the leg itself. The flanges and webs are positioned to provide localized reinforcement at critical stress points while maintaining reduced overall cross-sectional area, achieving weight reduction without sacrificing breaking strength.
3Strength
If a double-T support structure is added to improve strength and stability, then the strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double-T beam structure merges the support function directly into the leg geometry itself, eliminating the need for separate support elements. The flanges and webs are integrated into the leg's cross-section, providing structural reinforcement without adding discrete components, thus improving fatigue strength while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-T beam structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement for strength, resists elastic deformation under load, and maintains reduced weight. This multi-functionality achieves improved fatigue strength without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same geometric features accomplish multiple objectives.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain link having two sides (4, 5), each connected at the ends (9) thereof by a curve (2, 3), wherein the inner length of the chain link (1) is designed such that an additional chain link can be linked therein, hinging at each curve (2, 3), which sides (4, 5) have a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area in the region of the curves (2, 3). According to the invention, the sides (4, 5) have a cross-sectional geometry formed in the manner of a double-T carrier, having an outer flange (10), an inner flange (11) and a web (16) connecting the flanges (10, 11), wherein the height of said double-T carrier structure is oriented in the direction of the width of the chain link (1), and a support flange (12) is provided between the two flanges (10, 11), the distance of which support flange to the outer flange (10), proceeding from the end thereof pointing toward a curve (2, 3), toward the center of the side decreases or increases by an inclined arrangement and the support flange thus has two support flange portions (17, 18) inclined oppositely relative to each other.