Hybrid Chain Link with Differential Yarn Creep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain links with nonhomogeneous stress distribution between adjacent links result in premature damage or fracture under lower loads, leading to increased costs and safety risks due to material differences and varying aging behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A chain link design featuring a strip with warp yarns A and B, where the minimum creep rate of yarn B is higher than yarn A, with a higher concentration of yarn A in the core section and yarn B in the edge sections, optimizing the contact surface for improved load transfer and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If chain links are made with different materials, thicknesses and weights to achieve equal strength, then the chain can have alternating rigid and flexible links, but the chain becomes heavier and more expensive with complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions within the chain link with different yarn concentrations. The core section has a higher concentration of low-creep yarns (yarn A) for strength, while edge sections have a higher concentration of high-creep yarns (yarn B) for flexibility. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows a single homogeneous link design to achieve both rigidity and flexibility without requiring alternating different materials or increased weight.
2Reliability
If chain links use different materials with different aging behavior, then specific performance characteristics can be achieved, but safety risks increase due to varying degradation and corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the yarns by selecting two different polyolefin materials with distinct creep characteristics. Yarn A uses a polyolefin with lower creep rate for core strength, while yarn B uses a polyolefin with higher creep rate for edge flexibility. Both materials are polyolefins, ensuring similar aging and corrosion resistance behaviors, thus maintaining reliability while reducing safety risks associated with material incompatibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If chain links are designed with nonhomogeneous stress distribution, then manufacturing may be simpler, but damage or fracture occurs at lower loads than expected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through spatially varying yarn concentrations within the link. The core section contains a higher concentration of low-creep yarns (yarn A) to handle high stress regions, while edge sections contain a higher concentration of high-creep yarns (yarn B) to accommodate lower stress areas. This non-uniform distribution optimizes stress management throughout the link, preventing premature fracture while maintaining manufacturability through a consistent weaving process.
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
This design enhances the breaking strength and efficiency of the chain, reduces material loss, and lowers costs while providing a safer, lighter-weight option with improved resistance to high loads.
Implementation Method 1
with the minimum creep rate of warp yarn B being higher than the minimum creep rate of warp yarn A, the minimum creep rate being measured at a tension of 900 MPa and a temperature of 30°C
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chain link comprising a strip comprising warp yarns and weft yarns, with the warp yarns containing warp yarn A and warp yarn B, with the minimum creep rate of warp yarn B being higher than the minimum creep rate of warp yarn A, wherein the strip comprises a longitudinal core section and at least two longitudinal edge sections, and wherein the concentration of warp yarn A in the core section is higher than the concentration of yarn A in the edge sections of the strip and the concentration of warp yarn B in the edge sections is higher than the concentration of warp yarn B in the core section of the strip. The invention also relates to a chain comprising said chain link and to use of said chain in different applications.