Dual-Arm Chain Lock for Conveyor Carrier Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor chain systems face issues with the reliability of spring-loaded chain locks, which can lead to unauthorized release of product carriers and reduced load-bearing capacity, especially when handling heavier workpieces, due to single locking teeth that can fail or wear out easily.
Innovation Solution
The carrier link features two parallel walls with a central opening and a chain lock mechanism comprising two locking arms with retaining pins, allowing for stable open and closed states, reducing wear and enhancing security by requiring specific mechanisms to change states, thus ensuring secure and controlled product carrier transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a spring-loaded chain lock with a single locking tooth is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to wear and unauthorized release
Solution Approach 1:
The chain lock is segmented into two independent locking arms (first locking arm and second locking arm), each with its own locking tooth. This segmentation divides the single locking function into multiple redundant components, so that if one locking arm fails or wears, the other can still maintain the locked state, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single locking tooth is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the load-bearing capacity decreases when handling heavier workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two separate locking arms that can be manufactured using the same process as single locking teeth. This allows the manufacturing system to remain simple while the resulting dual-locking structure provides doubled load-bearing capacity, as both locking arms share the mechanical load of securing the product carrier.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded chain lock is used, then the ease of operation is improved for automatic opening, but the reliability worsens due to unauthorized release
Solution Approach 1:
The chain lock mechanism is segmented into two locking arms that must both be simultaneously opened to release the product carrier. This segmented design maintains ease of operation through automatic spring-loaded opening at designated stations, while improving security because unauthorized release would require manipulating both locking arms simultaneously, which is significantly more difficult than manipulating a single spring-loaded lock.
4Device complexity
If a single locking arm is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to wear on the locking tooth
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a second locking arm as a preventive measure against wear-related failures of the first locking arm. This redundant locking arm acts as beforehand cushioning, ensuring that even if the first locking tooth becomes worn or fails, the product carrier remains securely locked by the second locking arm, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring complex wear-detection or maintenance systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a carrier link of a conveyor chain intended to convey hanging product carriers, which comprises two parallel walls connected by a partition wall and an opening in which a chain lock is positioned, where the chain lock can assume an open state and a closed state, and where the chain lock comprises two locking arms, each with a locking lug, where the locking lugs are intended to secure an object in the central opening such that the product carrier bears against the two locking lugs when the product carrier is conveyed hanging from the carrier link. The invention further relates to a conveyor chain comprising a plurality of carrier links, and a material handling system comprising a plurality of conveyor chains. The aim of the invention is to obtain a more secure carrier link which permits a controlled and traceable flow and which additionally has a higher loading capacity.