Drag Chain Break Detection via Low-Stretch Triggering Cord
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy guiding chains are prone to cable tears due to external influences, leading to partial or complete breakage, and existing monitoring systems often result in false triggering or unnecessary emergency stops, especially when based on force measurement or complex optical detection methods.
Innovation Solution
An energy guiding chain with a low-stretch triggering cord connected to a detector that mechanically interacts with a pickup, allowing for precise breakage detection by monitoring kinematic parameters, reducing false triggering rates and enabling a simpler, more cost-effective detection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If force measurement is used to monitor energy guiding chains, then the chain can be protected from breaking, but the measurement technology becomes relatively complex and false triggering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex force measurement technology with a simple mechanical trigger cord system. The trigger cord is mechanically connected to the chain links and directly activates a sensor when the chain breaks, eliminating the need for complex force sensors while maintaining reliable breakage detection
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger cord is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical element that can be easily replaced. Instead of using expensive force measurement technology, the system employs a basic mechanical cord that triggers detection only when needed, reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Reliability
If optical fiber cable or light guide is used for breakage detection, then break detection is achieved, but the system becomes quite complex and false triggering occurs due to aging or external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simple mechanical trigger cord mechanism. The mechanical cord directly physically connects to the chain structure and activates a sensor through mechanical movement, providing reliable breakage detection without the complexity and false triggering issues of optical fiber systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using sensitive optical fiber cables that are prone to false triggering, the patent creates a mechanical copy of the chain's structural integrity through the trigger cord. The cord mirrors the chain's movement and breakage state through direct mechanical connection, providing a more robust detection method
3Reliability
If force limit values are used for automatic release, then protection against excessive force is achieved, but unnecessary emergency stops occur since exceeding force does not necessarily result in break
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger cord is pre-configured to detect actual breakage rather than responding to temporary force fluctuations. The mechanical connection is designed to maintain tension during normal operation and only trigger when the chain actually breaks, preventing unnecessary emergency stops while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses direct mechanical feedback through the trigger cord that is physically connected to the chain links. This provides immediate and accurate feedback about actual chain integrity, distinguishing between temporary force increases and actual breakage, thereby reducing false emergency stops
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
The solution effectively reduces the likelihood of false triggering and unnecessary emergency stops, providing a robust and durable monitoring system suitable for various applications by detecting actual breaks in the energy guiding chain through a low-stretch release cord mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the detector (16) is operatively connected to a low-stretch triggering cord (30) for detecting an actual break or failure in the power transmission chain (12)
Implementation Method 2
the detector has a pickup for detecting a kinematic parameter and the release cord interacts mechanically with the pickup
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a drag chain (12) having additional protection against line breaks. The drag chain comprises links (20) or segments for guiding one or more lines, such as cables, hoses, or the like, wherein the links or segments can be pivoted in relation to each other in order to form a deflecting curve (28). The protective equipment comprises a detector, which is provided for monitoring the drag chain. The detector (16) is mechanically operatively connected to a low-elongation triggering string (30) and has a sensor (36) for sensing a kinematic parameter of the triggering string (30). A break (13) in the drag chain (12) can be detected in good time by means of the change of the kinematic parameter. Thus, guided cables, hoses, or the like can be protected against line breaks.