Intermediate Chain Link Design for Drawing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate chains in drawing machines for metal products suffer from concentrated wear in the lateral housing and sliding seatings of idle rolls, leading to instability and frequent maintenance, and are prone to off-axis deformation, which can cause the chain to come out of its rotation seating and damage the machine.
Innovation Solution
The intermediate chain design features a connection element with lateral support portions and a central connection portion that maintains the idle roll in a fixed position, distributing stresses uniformly and preventing off-axis movement, thereby reducing wear and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If known intermediate chains with idle rolls are used, then friction between the track and support plate is reduced through rolling contact, but stress concentration occurs in the lateral housing and sliding seatings of the idle rolls causing wear and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is divided into two functional parts: a lateral support portion that houses the idle roll and a central connection portion that joins consecutive links. This segmentation allows the idle roll to be supported laterally without stress concentration in the housing, as the connection portion handles the joining function separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support portion is designed with specific geometric features (such as curved surfaces or optimized cross-sections) that locally enhance its load-bearing capacity and distribute stresses away from the idle roll housing, preventing wear and maintaining chain stability.
2Productivity
If idle rolls are used in the intermediate chain, then rolling friction is introduced to enable higher drawing speeds, but the idle rolls may go off-axis due to asymmetric wear causing deformation and machine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral support portion is pre-designed with geometric features that guide and center the idle roll before loads are applied. This preliminary alignment action prevents the idle roll from going off-axis during operation, even when subjected to asymmetric wear or varying loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support portion incorporates curved surfaces or cylindrical geometries that naturally guide the idle roll into proper alignment. The curved surfaces provide continuous contact points that maintain the idle roll's axial position, preventing off-axis movement and deformation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional connection methods are used for intermediate chain links, then the chain remains flexible and light, but the housing and sliding seatings of idle rolls are subject to considerable wear requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the lateral support function from the connection function into distinct portions of the connection element, the design eliminates stress concentration in the idle roll housing. This segmentation allows the chain to maintain flexibility through the connection portions while the lateral support portions are optimized for wear resistance, extending maintenance intervals.
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 extends the working life of the intermediate chain by preventing stress concentration and maintaining stability over time, reducing maintenance needs and preventing damage to the chain and the drawing assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate chain of the type with rolls with the function of reducing the friction between the links of the track and the support plate, introducing a rolling type friction between the two components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An intermediate chain for drawing assemblies of drawing machines provided with at least one track having a plurality of contiguous links configured to act on a product being worked in order to draw it, is interposed between the corresponding track and support means of the track and comprises a plurality of contiguous links. Each of said links comprises an idle roll equipped with a through axial hole, a join pin and a connection element provided with a plurality of through holes configured to house at least said join pin. The connection element comprises two lateral support portions positioned in correspondence to axially opposite longitudinal ends of said idle roll, and a central connection portion, interposed transversely between the two lateral support portions and joined to both in order to reciprocally connect them, keeping them at a fixed and constant reciprocal distance and in a fixed and constant reciprocal position.