Inverted Coil Brush for Chain Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain and belt cleaning methods are costly, difficult to maintain, and inefficient, often failing to effectively clean debris from the sides of chains and belts, leading to wear, derailment, and energy inefficiency in drive systems.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, adjustable inverted coil brush assembly with a long lead and flexible design that can be easily threaded onto chains or belts, featuring inwardly directed bristles that can be adjusted for different sizes and configurations, allowing for thorough cleaning and easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rotating brush assembly is used to clean the chain, then cleaning action is provided, but the assembly becomes costly, difficult to maintain, and may only clean portions of the chain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional brush orientation by using an inverted coil brush assembly where the bristles point inward toward the chain rather than outward. This inversion allows the brush to effectively engage with and clean the chain surfaces while simplifying the overall assembly structure, eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanisms and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted coil brush assembly utilizes a flexible coil structure that can conform to the chain geometry. This flexibility allows the brush to adapt to different chain sizes and configurations, providing effective cleaning across the entire chain length rather than just specific portions, while maintaining a simple, maintenance-free design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed straight brushes are used in a clamping box, then cleaning agitation is provided, but the device requires multiple parts and brush replacement for different chain sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted coil brush assembly is designed as a universal cleaning solution that can accommodate different chain sizes and configurations through its flexible coil structure and adjustable internal diameter. The single integrated assembly eliminates the need for multiple specialized brushes or complex clamping mechanisms, providing multi-functional capability across various chain types.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush assembly incorporates dynamic flexibility through its coil structure, allowing it to adapt its shape and size to match different chain geometries. The internal diameter can be adjusted by axially compressing or elongating the tool, enabling the same device to effectively clean various chain sizes without requiring physical replacement of components.
3Productivity
If an inverted coil brush with short lead is used, then cleaning action is provided, but the brush cannot accommodate different chain sizes or bristle wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter adjustability by allowing axial compression or elongation of the coil brush assembly, which changes the internal diameter and lead dimensions. This parameter adjustment enables the same brush assembly to maintain effective cleaning contact with chains of different sizes and to compensate for bristle wear over time, preserving cleaning effectiveness while enhancing adaptability.
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
The solution provides effective and efficient cleaning of various chain and belt sizes, reducing wear and energy consumption by ensuring thorough debris removal, including hard-to-reach areas, and accommodating different sizes and types without the need for frequent replacements or adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary brush with radially projecting bristles rotating against the top and/or bottom of the chain
Implementation Method 2
The box includes a multiplicity of fixed straight brushes that provide agitation to remove grit
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted coil brush assembly is particularly useful for the cleaning of a chain or belt and the like as a hand tool or part of an apparatus through which the chain or belt moves. The inverted coil brush assembly has an open coil structure with a long lead and can easily be threaded on and removed from a belt or chain. The tool is sufficiently flexible that the axial hole (ID) through its center can be enlarged or contracted by axial elongation or compression of the tool. The tool and its method of application and use enable it to be used as a hand tool or as a component in a transmission for example. It may be adjusted manually or automatically. The tool preferably has a lead or space between adjacent coils of from about ¼ to 2 times or more the outside diameter (OD) of the coil. The OD to ID ratio may vary from our 2:1 to about 7:1. A preferred ratio is about 3:1.