Energy Chain Frame Module for Low-Abrasion Cable Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy chain systems cause abrasion of cables due to friction with side plates and crossbars, leading to complex and costly manufacturing and retrofitting challenges for reducing wear and preventing tangling.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame module is introduced between the crossbars of the chain link, featuring side walls and transverse areas that form a guide space, reducing cable contact with structural components and minimizing abrasion by providing a gentle support surface, which can be easily installed or removed for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are routed through chain links with plate-like components (side plates, crossbars, dividers, shelves), then internal organization and cable guidance are achieved, but friction and abrasion occur between cables and these components during relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating layer as an intermediary substance between the cable and the plate-like components. This coating layer, applied to the surfaces of side plates, crossbars, dividers, and shelves, acts as a mediator that reduces direct contact and friction between the cable outer sheath and the hard plastic or metal surfaces, thereby minimizing abrasion while maintaining effective cable guidance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner surfaces of side plates and crossbars are coated with friction-reducing material to reduce abrasion, then cable wear is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chain link structure by introducing separate, removable dividers and shelves that can be independently coated or replaced. This allows the coating application to be focused on specific components rather than requiring coating of entire chain link assemblies, simplifying the manufacturing process while still providing abrasion protection where cables contact these elements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plate-like components are spaced longitudinally with gaps to reduce contact points, then abrasion is reduced, but cable support and organization effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by coating only the specific surfaces of plate-like components that directly contact cables with friction-reducing material, while maintaining the structural integrity and spacing of the components. This selective coating approach preserves the cable support and organization functions provided by the spaced components while reducing abrasion at the critical contact points
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 4~7B
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain link (10) for an energy transmission chain (1), comprising two mutually spaced side plates (11) which are interconnected by means of two crosspieces (12), delimit an interior (14) for guiding cables (16) and each have inner faces (15) facing the interior (14). According to the invention, a frame module (20; 30; 40; 50; 60) is provided and is mounted between the crosspieces (12), borders a portion of the interior (14) and delimits at least one guide chamber (21; 31; 41; 51; 61) for the purpose of internal subdivision. The frame module (20; 30; 40; 50; 60) has two lateral walls (22; 32; 42a, 42b; 52a, 52b; 62) and two transverse regions (24; 34; 44a, 44b; 54a, 54b; 64) extending transversely thereto, wherein each transverse region (24; … 64) covers part of the inner face (15) of a crosspiece (12) and forms a cable-protecting support face (240; 340). The invention also relates to the frame module (20; 30; 40; 50; 60) per se.