Hybrid Chain Link Yarn Layout 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, higher production costs, and safety risks due to 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 strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If chain links are made with different materials and thicknesses to improve strength distribution, then breaking strength increases, but weight increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform yarn distribution within the strip, concentrating high-strength, low-creep yarns (yarn A) in the core section where load transfer occurs, and using higher creep yarns (yarn B) in edge sections. This localized differentiation optimizes strength where needed while reducing overall weight compared to uniform high-strength construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining two different types of yarns (yarn A with low creep rate and yarn B with high creep rate) within the same strip. This composite approach allows the chain to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials in different locations.
2Strength
If chain links use different materials with varying thicknesses and weights, then strength distribution improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through spatially varying yarn composition, with the core section containing predominantly low-creep yarn A for optimal load transfer, while edge sections contain predominantly high-creep yarn B. This localized differentiation achieves superior strength distribution without requiring multiple different materials throughout the entire chain, simplifying manufacturing compared to fully heterogeneous constructions.
3Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous yarn distribution is used in chain links, then manufacturing is simpler, but stress distribution becomes non-homogeneous leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality through non-uniform yarn distribution. The core section is engineered with high concentration of low-creep yarn A to handle maximum stress during load transfer, while edge sections use high-creep yarn B. This targeted differentiation ensures homogeneous stress distribution and prevents premature failure at critical locations, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a systematic construction approach.
4Device complexity
If different yarn types are mixed homogeneously in chain links, then material usage is simplified, but fracture occurs at the lowest fracture strain yarn location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning low-creep, high fracture-strain yarn A in the core section where maximum stress concentrates during load transfer. High-creep yarn B is placed in edge sections where stress is lower. This spatial separation ensures that the yarns with superior fracture resistance are located precisely where they are most needed, preventing fracture at critical locations while maintaining manageable construction complexity.
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 material usage and costs, and provides 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.