Friction Welding Traction Elements on Chain Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of chain links for anti-skid or tire protection devices is complex, particularly when incorporating traction elements, as existing methods require significant effort and energy, and pose safety risks due to the use of electric current.

Innovation Solution

The use of friction welding to attach traction elements to the chain link body, allowing for flexible attachment of various cleat shapes at diverse points, enabling automatic and energy-efficient production with localized heat input, and enabling the pairing of different materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If resistance welding is used to attach traction elements to the chain link body, then the traction elements can be attached to the chain link body, but the production process becomes complex and energy-consuming, and safety risks arise due to the use of electric current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces resistance welding (electrical process) with friction welding (mechanical process). The friction welding process uses mechanical friction between the traction element and chain link body to generate heat and create the weld, eliminating the need for electric current and complex electrical equipment, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the welding parameters from electrical (resistance welding) to mechanical (friction welding). By changing the fundamental parameter of the welding process from electrical resistance to mechanical friction, the patent achieves a simpler, safer, and more energy-efficient production process while maintaining the attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If resistance welding is used to attach traction elements to the chain link body, then the traction elements can be attached to the chain link body, but safety risks arise due to the use of electric current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction safetyVSAvoidwelding equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces resistance welding (electrical process) with friction welding (mechanical process). The friction welding process uses mechanical friction between the traction element and chain link body to generate heat and create the weld, eliminating the need for electric current and complex electrical equipment, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional welding methods are used to attach traction elements, then the attachment can be made, but the heat input is not locally limited and the process is less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidheat input distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the heat generation and welding action at the precise contact point between the traction element and chain link body. The friction welding process generates heat only where the two surfaces are in contact and rubbing against each other, allowing localized welding without affecting surrounding areas, thus enabling flexible attachment at diverse points on the chain link body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Friction welding simplifies the manufacturing process, enhances safety by eliminating electric current, and allows for the attachment of traction elements with high precision and durability, improving the traction and service life of the chain links.

Implementation Method 1

the traction element is friction-welded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction welding: Friction Welding

Implementation Method 2

locally high frictional heat is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

locally high frictional heat is generated. If the temperature on the surfaces of the traction element and chain link body rubbing against each other is sufficiently high

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional heat: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3339064B1Chain link with friction welded traction element, method for its preparation and sliding prevention or tyre protection device with such a chain link
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO
  • EP3339064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3339064B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3339064B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a chain link (16) for a traction control or tire protection device (1) and to a method for manufacturing such a chain link (16). The chain link (16) comprises a chain link body (20) and at least one traction element (18) welded onto the chain link body (20) and projecting from it. According to the invention, in order to manufacture such a chain link more cost-effectively and flexibly, the traction element (18) is friction-welded.