Retrofittable Energy Chain Skid With Secure Cross-Bar Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy chains require complex retrofitting processes to install skids, which often necessitate disassembling and replacing cross bars, and do not provide a robust and easy method for securing skids during operation.
Innovation Solution
A skid design that utilizes a holding device with opposing holding elements to engage with cross bar widenings, allowing tool-free installation and removal, ensuring positive-locking and/or friction-locking attachment without needing to open the chain links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If skids are installed using traditional locking mechanisms on side plates, then secure attachment is achieved, but retrofitting complexity increases and requires disassembly of chain links
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into separate components: a holding element that attaches to the cross bar and a skid body. This segmentation allows the skid to be installed independently without disassembling chain links, while still providing secure attachment through the holding element's engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device acts as an intermediary component between the cross bar and the skid. It provides the attachment function without requiring direct integration with side plates or chain link disassembly, simplifying the retrofitting process while maintaining secure connection
2Reliability
If cross bars are replaced to install skids, then skid attachment is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is pre-configured with engagement features that match the cross bar's geometry. This preliminary design allows for quick attachment without requiring cross bar replacement or complex installation procedures, reducing installation time while ensuring reliable skid attachment
3Ease of operation
If special side plates with catch means are used, then skid fastening is achieved, but adaptability to existing energy chains decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed with universal compatibility features that allow it to attach to standard cross bars found in existing energy chains. It provides effective skid fastening without requiring special side plates or modifications to chain link structures, enabling wide applicability across different energy chain models
4Reliability
If skids are permanently fixed to cross bars, then attachment security is improved, but maintenance and replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device employs a dynamic attachment mechanism that provides secure fixation during operation but allows for easy release when needed. This enables skids to be firmly attached for reliable performance while facilitating simple maintenance and replacement without permanent fixation
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
Facilitates easy and cost-effective retrofitting of skids onto existing energy chains, extending their lifespan by reducing wear and allowing for easy maintenance without specialized tools, while maintaining robust attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the opposing holding elements engage in a positive-locking and/or friction-locking manner in or behind an area of this widening
Implementation Method 2
The mutual friction of the runs and of the movable run on the slide rail causes wear. In order to reduce this wear it is known to equip energy chains with skids or sliding shoes which slide on each other.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy chain with skids which are each fastened to a cross bar by means of a holding device and which each reach over a narrow side of a side plate, as well as to a retrofittable skid per se. At both of its ends the cross bar has in each case a widening towards the side plate. The holding device has two opposing holding elements, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and with which it can be fitted onto the cross bar between the widenings and can be displaced laterally outwards into an engagement with one of the widenings, in which engagement the opposing holding elements engage in a positive-locking and/or force-locking manner in or behind an area of this widening to fasten the skid in the operative position.