Interlocking Chain Actuator Guide Plate Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interlocking chain type lift devices face issues with increased component count, complexity in chain guide formation, lubricating oil scatter, abrasion of coupling pins, and chain collision noise due to the rigidity and movement of interlocking chains.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a pair of interlocking chains with hook-shaped tooth plates and a chain guide plate, featuring a disengagement part guide and chain locus regulating members that guide the rigid chain parts, reducing abrasion and collision noise by sliding contact and covering the coupling pins, and eliminating the need for additional components to prevent lubricating oil scatter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a plurality of guide plates are used to guide each chain unit to increase transportation capacity, then the transportation capacity is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple guide functions into a single integrated chain guide structure. The chain guide includes a guide body with multiple guide surfaces that can guide multiple chain units simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate guide plates for each chain unit. This merging approach maintains the transportation capacity while reducing the number of components.
2Reliability
If the chain guide is formed according to the complicated locus of the plate coupling pin, then the chain can be guided properly, but the manufacturing work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chain guide into multiple independent guide surfaces (first guide surface, second guide surface, third guide surface, etc.) that can be formed separately. Each guide surface corresponds to a specific section of the chain locus, allowing for simpler individual manufacturing processes while collectively providing accurate guidance for the complicated pin trajectory.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover is provided to prevent lubricating oil from scattering, then the contamination is reduced, but the number of components and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lubricating oil containment function from a separate cover component and integrates it into the chain guide structure itself. The chain guide body is designed with enclosed or partially enclosed channels that naturally contain the lubricating oil, eliminating the need for an additional cover while maintaining the anti-contamination function.
4Ease of manufacture
If the chain guide structure is simplified, then the manufacturing work is reduced, but the abrasion of the coupling pin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different regions of the chain guide. Specific guide surfaces that contact the coupling pin are provided with smooth finishes, lubrication channels, or protective coatings to reduce abrasion, while other portions of the chain guide can have simpler constructions. This localized quality enhancement maintains pin durability without requiring overall structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an interlocking chain-type forward and backward actuating device, the device being configured so that an increase in the number of parts is minimized, an increase in the size of the device is avoided, the amount of scattering of lubricating oil to the outside of the device is reduced, the wear of connection pins is reduced, the breakage of the connection pins is avoided, and the striking noise and vibration of the chains occurring during the reception of the chains are reduced. Chain guide plates (130) are respectively provided on both sides of a pair of interlocking chains (110, 110) in the chain width direction (W). Chain locus restriction members (140, 140) having chain locus restriction faces (S1, S1) in contact with rigid chain portions (110B, 110B), which are made rigid by engaging and integrating the pair of interlocking chains (110, 110) with each other, are disposed so as to be adjacent to the rigid chain portions (110B, 110B).