Flexible Chain Guide for Hoist Tension and Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chain hoists face issues with chain tension loss during rapid rotation, potential chain jamming due to knots, and excessive noise and vibrations, which can lead to adverse pressure on internal components and undesirable operational outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A chain guide with a flexible, arched body and chain receiving portions made of a deformable material that can accommodate twists and knots, and a connecting portion to maintain chain tension and reduce vibrations and noise by guiding the chain within the pulley.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the chain turns rapidly about the chain pulley, then the door assembly can be raised and lowered quickly, but the chain may lose tension and be drawn outside the pockets of the chain pulley due to centrifugal force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of door assemblyVSAvoidchain tension maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible chain guide made of elastomeric material that can deform under centrifugal force during rapid operation. This flexible component maintains chain tension and guides the chain back into the pulley pockets, preventing chain disengagement while allowing high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The chain guide is designed as a dynamic component that can change its shape and position in response to operating conditions. During rapid door movement, the flexible guide deforms to accommodate centrifugal forces, then returns to its original position to maintain proper chain guidance during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the chain turns rapidly about the chain pulley, then the door assembly can be raised and lowered quickly, but vibrations and noise are amplified by the resonance of the metallic casing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of door assemblyVSAvoidnoise and vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elastomeric chain guide acts as a vibration dampener and noise reducer. The elastomeric material absorbs vibrations generated during rapid chain movement, preventing resonance amplification by the metallic casing, while still allowing the chain to operate at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The chain guide utilizes composite construction combining rigid structural elements with flexible elastomeric material. This composite design provides the necessary structural support for high-speed operation while the elastomeric portion dampens vibrations and reduces noise transmission to the metallic casing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the chain forms knots, then the chain may become locked in the chain hoist, but a rigid chain guide would prevent deformation to accommodate knots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain hoist operationVSAvoidaccommodation of chain knots

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elastomeric chain guide can deform to accommodate knots and twists in the chain, allowing the chain to pass through the guide even when knotted. This prevents complete locking of the chain hoist while still providing guidance and tension maintenance during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible chain guide provides a cushioning effect that absorbs the impact and stress of knotted chain sections. By allowing deformation rather than rigid resistance, the guide prevents the propagation of knot-induced stresses that could lead to complete chain hoist failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 chain guide effectively maintains chain tension, prevents jamming, and reduces noise and vibrations, ensuring smoother operation and prolonged component lifespan by allowing deformation to accommodate knots and twists, and damping vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

A chain guide with a flexible, arched body and chain receiving portions made of a deformable material that can accommodate twists and knots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

reduces vibrations and noise by guiding the chain within the pulley

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS7441749B2Chain guide and drive mechanism including the same

Publication Date: 2008.10.28 CANIMEX

AI summary

A chain guide for guiding a chain within a chain hoist. The chain guide includes a substantially elongated body having an inner side and an outer side, along with first and second extremities. The substantially elongated body is made of a substantially flexible material for curving the substantially elongated body into a substantially arched configuration about a given wheel of the chain hoist. The chain guide also includes first and second chain receiving portions provided adjacent to the first and second extremities respectively of the substantially elongated body, on the inner side thereof. Each chain receiving portion comprises a pair of shoulders protruding from the inner side of the body and defining an open channel shaped and sized for slidably receiving a portion of the chain. The chain guide also includes a deformable connecting portion for interconnecting the first and second chain receiving portions of the chain guide. Also described is a chain hoist provided with the chain guide.