Interlocking Chain Unit Buckling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlocking chain systems face challenges in reliably engaging inner and outer tooth plates, leading to buckling, breaking, and bending due to uneven compression forces and lack of specific design features for interlocking end faces and buckling restriction.
Innovation Solution
The interlocking chain unit incorporates a pair of chains with hook-shaped interlocking end faces and buckling restricting end faces, along with coupling pins, where the interlocking operation ensures equal inter-pin distances to facilitate elastic deformation and secure engagement, reducing vibration and preventing buckling by balancing forces across the chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inner tooth plates and outer tooth plates are interlocked with each other in conventional interlocking chains, then the chains can form a rigidified chain portion, but uneven compression forces are applied to the plates causing buckling, breaking, and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into multiple link plates (first link plate, second link plate, third link plate) with distinct functional regions. Each link plate has specific end faces (interlocking end face, buckling restricting end face) that perform specialized functions, allowing the system to distribute and manage compression forces more effectively across segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different end faces of the link plates are given different geometric qualities tailored to specific functions. The interlocking end face has a hook shape for engagement, while the buckling restricting end face has a specific geometry to prevent buckling. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows each region to optimize its performance for its specific purpose.
2Device complexity
If conventional interlocking chains are used without specific interlocking end faces and buckling restricting end faces, then the structure is simpler, but the engagement between inner and outer tooth plates is not firm or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The link plates are pre-configured with specific interlocking end faces and buckling restricting end faces before engagement occurs. The hook-shaped interlocking end faces are formed in advance to ensure proper engagement geometry, and the buckling restricting end faces are pre-positioned to prevent buckling before compression forces are applied during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If clearance backlash remains between parts in interlocking chains, then manufacturing is easier, but buckling, breaking, and bending cannot be avoided in the rigidified chain portion
Solution Approach 1:
The buckling restricting end faces are designed to contact each other beforehand, establishing a predetermined geometric relationship between link plates. This pre-contact arrangement cushions against the development of clearance backlash during operation, maintaining chain rigidity by preventing excessive movement and deformation even when manufacturing tolerances exist.
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 achieves reliable and rigid interlocking between inner and outer tooth plates, preventing buckling, breaking, and bending by ensuring equal compression forces and utilizing elastic deformation to enhance chain rigidity and reduce vibration.
Implementation Method 1
a first inter-pin distance between the disengagement-side coupling pin of the second link plate and the coupling pin facing the disengagement-side coupling pin of the second link plate is made substantially equal to a second inter-pin distance in the rigidified chain portion; and a third inter-pin distance between the disengagement-side coupling pin of the third link plate and a coupling pin that faces the disengagement-side coupling pin of the third link plate is made to approach the second inter-pin distance in the rigidified chain portion
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an interlocking chain unit that has reliable and strong interlocking and avoids buckling, breaking, and bending of a rigidified chain portion. In the interlocking chain unit (100), the interlocking operation of an outer tooth link plate (112BZ) and an outer tooth link plate (112AY) that are just about to complete the interlocking operation is completed in a manner that causes a first inter-pin distance (d1) and a second inter-pin distance (d2) become substantially equal to each other, and causes a third inter-pin distance (d3) to approach the second inter-pin distance (d2).