Hinged Chain With Segmented Links For Window Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain actuators face issues with rigidity, assembly complexity, high manufacturing costs, wear, and large dimensions, which affect their performance and usability in modern applications like moving windows and fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A hinged chain with solid, one-piece chain elements hinged together by external plates and coupling pins, featuring engaging zones with reliefs for smooth operation and reduced wear, allowing for easy assembly and reduced dimensions without compromising strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chains with bent links are used, then the chain can flex in single direction, but the rigidity is lower compared to other chain types
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into separate inner links and outer links that can be assembled independently. The inner links provide flexibility through their ability to rotate on pins, while the outer links provide rigidity and maintain chain alignment, resolving the contradiction between flexing capability and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different link types (inner links for flexibility and outer links for rigidity) into a single chain structure. This merging allows the chain to simultaneously achieve both single-direction flexing and high rigidity, which neither link type could achieve alone.
2Ease of manufacture
If chains with flat links are used, then assembly is simplified, but the chain requires greater thickness and has limited lateral flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is segmented into inner links connected by pins, allowing simple assembly through pin insertion. This segmentation avoids the need for thick links while maintaining structural integrity and providing lateral flexibility through the pin rotation mechanism.
3Device complexity
If U-shaped links are used, then the chain structure is simplified, but wear is high due to pins sliding inside holes without bushes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bushes as intermediary elements between the pins and the link holes. These bushes reduce friction and wear by providing a low-friction surface for pin rotation, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the simplicity of the overall chain structure.
4Strength
If multiple components are used per pitch (four links, two bushes, two pins), then the chain achieves necessary rigidity, but the dimensions and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into integrated link structures. The inner and outer links are designed to work together as a unified assembly, reducing the need for separate bushes and pins for each connection point, thereby maintaining rigidity while reducing overall component count and assembly complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hinged chain 10 suitable for acting as a pushing/pulling member in a chain actuator, said chain comprising a series of chain elements 20. Each chain element 20 is made as one piece and is suitable for being hinged with a preceding chain element and a following chain element by means of respective pairs of external plates 30 arranged alongside longitudinal side surfaces 23, 20 of the chain element 20. Said external plates 30 and said chain elements 20 are hinged together by coupling means 40 comprising hinging pins. Each chain element 20 has end surfaces 21 designed to be arranged facing end surfaces of a preceding chain element and a following chain element so as to allow the hinged chain 10 to be freely foldable in a single direction. Each chain element 20 has at least one side surface 24 which extends transversely between the respective pairs of external plates 30 and which is shaped so as to define a series of engaging zones 25, 26 for driving the hinged chain 10. The engaging zone 25, 26 of each chain element 20 is delimited in the direction of extension of the chain by at least two reliefs 25 passed through by the pins 40 for hinging with respective pairs of external plates 30. The engaging zones 25, 26 are situated between the hinging pins. The invention also relates to a chain actuator for moving fixtures or windows, comprising said chain.