Energy Chain Link Shelf Locking for Variable Sub-Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain links for energy chains have a predetermined shelf width, making it complex to create sub-channels of different widths, and existing solutions with locking engagement mechanisms are limited in flexibility and insertion methods.
Innovation Solution
A chain link design that allows the first shelf to be fastened at different positions using a locking connection, with complementary locking recesses and projections, enabling the shelf to be inserted at various distances and heights, and allowing for shelves of different widths to be cut from standards, facilitating flexible channel width adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves of different widths are provided to create sub-channels of different widths, then the receiving channel can be subdivided into various sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized shelf design with multiple locking points distributed across its width can be positioned at different locations to create sub-channels of varying widths. The shelf includes locking means at multiple positions that can engage with corresponding locking means on the divider, allowing the same shelf component to adapt to different sub-channel width requirements without requiring multiple shelf variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is designed with detachable locking connections that allow it to be positioned and locked at different locations along the divider. The locking means can be engaged or disengaged to adjust the shelf position, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of sub-channel widths while using the same shelf component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are detachably connected to dividers with locking engagement, then flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex insertion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking connection is divided into multiple independent locking means distributed along the shelf and divider. Each locking means can engage independently, allowing the shelf to be inserted and locked at different positions. This segmentation simplifies the insertion process compared to requiring a single complex locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means are designed to automatically engage when the shelf is inserted into the correct position on the divider. The complementary locking protrusions and recesses on the shelf and divider self-align and lock together, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and simplifying the assembly process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain link (10) for an energy guiding chain having two side links (12) connected to each other by a top and a bottom frame stay (14, 16), wherein the side links (12) and the frame stays (14, 16) enclose a receiving channel (20) for lines, which is open to the front and rear in a longitudinal direction (18), wherein at least one first separator (28), extending crosswise to the frame stays (14, 16) and at least one first shelf base (32), extending crosswise to the first separator (28) and crosswise to the longitudinal direction (18), are arranged in the receiving channel (20) to subdivide the receiving channel into partial channels (26), wherein the first separator (28) has at least one first opening (30) having two longitudinal sides (38), extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (18), and two narrow sides (40), extending crosswise to the longitudinal direction (18) and connecting the longitudinal sides (38) to each other, in which the first shelf base (32) is inserted.