Interlocking Chain Actuator Guide Groove Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlocking chain type forward and backward actuating devices face challenges in effectively utilizing space and smoothly driving interlocking chains due to limitations in the combination of drive sprocket and interlocking chain configurations, which restricts the radius of engagement and increases the occupied space.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a pair of interlocking chains with hook-shaped tooth plates and connecting pins, a drive sprocket, and a chain guide with specific groove configurations that allow for continuous planar chain support faces and curved guide faces, enabling the chains to maintain rigidity and prevent disengagement, thus optimizing space utilization and chain driving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional drive sprockets and chain guides are used with arc-shaped guide faces, then the chains can be driven, but the space occupied by the engagement portion increases and space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature principles by designing the guide groove face with a curved surface that matches the sprocket tooth profile. The curved guide groove face (132BS) continuously guides the chain from the disengaged state through the engagement state, allowing the chain to smoothly transition while reducing the radial space required for engagement. This curved guidance path enables compact design while maintaining smooth chain operation.
2Length of stationary object
If the number of teeth on drive sprockets is increased to reduce engagement radius, then the engagement radius decreases, but the device complexity and configuration selection become more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the guide groove, specifically designing the guide groove face with an optimized curvature radius and profile that independently controls the engagement characteristics. This allows the use of sprockets with fewer teeth while maintaining smooth engagement, thereby reducing the engagement radius without being constrained by the traditional relationship between tooth count and engagement smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary element between the sprocket and the chain. The curved guide groove face (132BS) serves as a mediator that gradually guides the chain onto the sprocket tooth, enabling smooth engagement even with fewer teeth. This intermediary structure decouples the direct relationship between tooth count and engagement quality, providing configuration flexibility.
3Reliability
If chain guide grooves are designed with continuous planar support faces and curved guide faces, then chain rigidity is improved and disengagement is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is segmented into distinct functional zones: a planar chain support face (132AS) that provides rigid support and maintains chain alignment, and a curved guide face (132BS) that guides the chain during engagement and disengagement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability through standardized machining operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an interlocking chain forward and backward actuating device type device, the device being configured so that the space within the device is effectively utilized and that a device configuration most suitable for driving interlocking chains is selected to enable the interlocking chains to be smoothly driven. An interlocking chain type forward and backward actuating device (100) is configured in such a manner that a pair of flat face-shaped chain support faces (132AS, 132AS) which sandwich and support a rigid chain portion (110G) from both sides thereof each form a portion of each of the guide groove faces (132, 132) of chain guide grooves (131, 131) while being continuously connected to each of a pair of curved guide faces (132BS, 132BS) which respectively guide disengaged portions (110H, 110H) of a pair of interlocking chains (110, 110), the disengaged portions (110H, 110H) having been disengaged from each other.