Line-Guiding Chain Recesses to Prevent Roller Hydrodynamic Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line-guiding devices, such as those described in EP 2 010 800, suffer from reduced roller adhesion to the running surface when liquid is present, leading to hydrodynamic slip and energy loss and noise generation.
Innovation Solution
The line-guiding device features links with articulated connections forming a loop, where the running surface is interrupted by depressions to allow liquid to escape, ensuring improved roller adhesion and reduced noise through the use of recesses and pins at transitions between links, and depressions arranged to facilitate liquid drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the running surface is made continuous to enable smooth rolling, then rolling efficiency and noise reduction are improved, but liquid accumulates on the surface causing hydrodynamic slip and reduced adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous running surface is segmented by introducing transverse grooves that divide it into multiple longitudinal sections. This segmentation allows liquid to escape laterally through the grooves while maintaining sufficient contact area between the roller and running surface for reliable adhesion and efficient rolling.
Solution Approach 2:
The running surface is given non-uniform local properties through the grooves: areas between grooves maintain continuous contact for rolling, while groove regions provide liquid drainage pathways. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between continuous contact for efficiency and liquid removal for adhesion.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the running surface is made continuous to reduce noise, then noise generation is reduced, but liquid accumulation causes rollers to slide instead of roll
Solution Approach 1:
Transverse grooves segment the running surface to create controlled discontinuities that allow liquid escape without creating significant gaps. This maintains smooth roller passage and low noise while preventing hydrodynamic slip that would cause sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves create localized liquid drainage zones without affecting the overall continuity of the running surface. Rollers experience smooth rolling over most of the surface area while liquid is locally removed at groove positions, maintaining both low noise and proper rolling action.
3Reliability
If depressions are added to interrupt the running surface for liquid drainage, then roller adhesion is improved, but the running surface continuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The running surface is segmented by transverse grooves into multiple longitudinal sections rather than using large depressions. This segmentation maintains visual and functional continuity while providing sufficient liquid drainage pathways, achieving adhesion improvement without excessive disruption to surface continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of large-scale depressions, small transverse grooves are introduced at specific locations to provide liquid drainage. This local modification improves adhesion by removing liquid at critical points while preserving the overall continuity and stability of the running surface composition.
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 enhances roller adhesion to the running surface even when liquid is present, reducing energy loss and noise generation while maintaining smooth operation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesion of the rollers to the running surface can be reduced. The rollers can float because of the liquid such that the rollers slide over the running surface instead of rolling on it. This can be referred to as hydrodynamic slip.
Data Source
AI summary
A line-guiding device includes links connected to one another in an articulated manner and which form a loop consisting of an upper strand, a deflection region, and a lower strand. Adjacent links can pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis. The pivot axes are located closer to a loop inner side than to a loop outer side at least in some of the links. Each link has two side flaps opposite one another. Side flaps of adjacent links form at least one running surface on the loop inner side. At least some of the links have a roller projecting from the running surface. The upper strand and the lower strand can abut over the running surface such that the upper strand and the lower strand can move by means of the rollers. The running surface in at least some of the links is interrupted by recesses.