Hydraulic Tensioning Device for Trailer Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor chains and belts used in trailers, especially those for unloading, often fail to maintain the required tension due to wear and misalignment, leading to potential accidents and failures, as existing systems lack automatic safety measures to stop the movement when tension exceeds the safe limit.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic tensioning device with a single-acting oil hydraulic cylinder, adjustable pressure limiting valve, non-return valve, and auxiliary circuit to maintain and automatically stop the chain or belt movement when predetermined tension is exceeded, utilizing an oil hydraulic motor and optional electro-valve for safety, ensuring consistent pressure and preventing accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic tensioning systems are used to maintain chain or belt tension, then the required tension can be adjusted and maintained, but there is no automatic safety measure to stop movement when tension exceeds safe limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tensioning function and safety monitoring function into a single integrated hydraulic system. The main hydraulic circuit provides tensioning force through a cylinder, while an auxiliary circuit monitors tension levels and automatically stops the drive motor when excessive tension is detected, merging two functions into one cohesive system rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary hydraulic circuit acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the tension level in the main circuit. When the tension exceeds a predetermined safe limit, the auxiliary circuit detects this condition and sends a signal to stop the drive motor, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically responds to changing tension conditions
2Ease of operation
If existing hydraulic tensioning systems are used, then tension can be adjusted, but they lack automatic stop function to prevent failures and accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-protection through the auxiliary hydraulic circuit. The system automatically detects excessive tension conditions and stops itself without requiring external intervention or manual monitoring, enabling the system to service its own safety requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary circuit is pre-configured with a predetermined safe tension limit. Before excessive tension can cause damage or failure, the system has already established the safety threshold and is prepared to automatically stop the drive motor when that threshold is reached, preventing failures before they occur
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic tensioning device for chains or belts (1) for unloading trailers and the like. The horizontal platform of the trailer essentially includes closed loop chains or belts (1) coupled by opposite ends to a rear drive shaft and a front shaft support (4). It is characterized in that it comprises a main oil hydraulic circuit fed from a power system, which circuit supplies oil to tensioning cylinders (2). The rods of such cylinders are connected to the front shaft support (4) in order to tension the belts or chains during operation in an automatic and maintained manner. It also includes an auxiliary circuit connected to the main circuit and intended for stopping the rotation of a hydraulic motor moving the assembly of belts or chains when a certain pressure is exceeded in the circuit and therefore the tension of the belts is exceeded, possible failures and accidents thus being prevented.