Hybrid Chain Link Weave for Uniform Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synthetic chains suffer from non-homogeneous stress distribution between adjacent links, leading to premature damage or fracture under lower loads, increased weight, and higher production costs due to complex methods and varying material aging behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A chain link design featuring a strip with warp yarns A and B, where yarn B has a higher minimum creep rate than yarn A, is used, with a higher concentration of yarn A in the core section and yarn B in the edge sections, optimizing the contact surface between adjacent links to enhance load transfer and breaking 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 weight increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform thickness distribution within chain links. The links have varying thicknesses at different locations (thinner at ends, thicker in middle sections) to optimize strength distribution. This allows the entire chain to use uniform material composition while achieving differential mechanical properties through geometric variation alone, eliminating the need for alternating materials and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters (thickness distribution, link dimensions) rather than material parameters to achieve strength optimization. By adjusting the thickness profile along the link length and varying link dimensions, the design achieves equal strength across different link positions without changing material composition or adding weight through material substitution.
2Strength
If chain links have different materials with different aging behavior, then diverse mechanical properties can be achieved, but safety risks increase due to unpredictable degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using uniform material composition throughout all chain links. All links are made from the same polymer material with consistent properties, ensuring uniform aging and degradation behavior across the entire chain. This eliminates the safety risks associated with mixed materials while still achieving diverse mechanical properties through geometric variation. The uniform material ensures predictable, synchronized degradation patterns that maintain safety.
3Strength
If complex manufacturing methods are used to produce chains with varying link properties, then alternating rigid and flexible links can be achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each chain link into distinct thickness zones (thinner end sections, thicker middle sections) rather than using uniform thickness. This segmented geometric structure allows differential mechanical properties within uniform material, achieving the desired strength distribution through a single manufacturable link design that can be produced using standard extrusion or molding processes without complex assembly steps.
4Force
If non-homogeneous stress distribution occurs between adjacent chain links, then load transfer is inefficient, but premature damage and fracture occur at lower loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by designing the chain links to achieve uniform stress distribution under load. The optimized thickness profile (thinner at ends, thicker in middle) creates a geometry that equalizes stress concentrations across adjacent links during operation. This ensures that all links experience comparable stress levels, enabling efficient load transfer throughout the chain and preventing premature failure at any single location, thereby increasing the overall fracture load capacity.
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 increases the breaking strength and efficiency of the chain, reduces fiber strength loss, and lowers production costs while providing a lighter and safer chain with improved load management.
Implementation Method 1
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
A chain link having a strip which includes warp yarns and weft yarns is provided, with the warp yarns containing a warp yarn A and a 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.