Monolithic Rigid Chain Links for Low-Noise, Corrosion-Resistant Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid chains used for lifting and pushing loads are prone to noise, vibration, corrosion, and wear due to metal-to-metal contact, and are not suitable for applications like MRI machines due to metallic conductivity, requiring complex assembly and lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic, one-piece rigid chain design with gear teeth and oblong pins for secure connection, using polyacrylamide resin reinforced with carbon or glass fibers, and incorporating roller bushings and retainer rings for reduced friction and durability, allowing for assembly without additional tools and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic rigid chains are used, then load capacity and structural strength are achieved, but noise, vibration, corrosion, and wear occur due to metal-to-metal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polyacrylamide resin with carbon fibers or glass fibers to create a non-metallic rigid chain that maintains structural strength while eliminating corrosion, noise, and vibration associated with traditional metallic chains. The composite structure provides both the mechanical properties needed for load-bearing and the chemical properties for corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the metallic mechanical system with a polymer-composite system that achieves similar mechanical performance without the harmful side effects. The monolithic link design with integrated gear teeth and connection features substitutes for traditional assembled metal linkages, reducing friction and wear while maintaining load capacity.
2Strength
If traditional metallic rigid chains are used, then structural strength is achieved, but the chain is inappropriate for MRI machines and areas with electrical fields due to metallic conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The use of polyacrylamide resin reinforced with carbon or glass fibers creates a composite material that provides structural strength comparable to metal while being electrically non-conductive. This allows the chain to be used in MRI machines and other environments where metallic objects would interfere with electrical or magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from conductive metal to non-conductive polymer composite, while maintaining the mechanical strength parameter through fiber reinforcement. This parameter transformation enables use in previously inaccessible environments without sacrificing load-bearing capability.
3Strength
If traditional rigid chains with multiple parts are used, then load capacity is maintained, but assembly requires substantial effort, special tools, and fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (link plates, rollers, connectors, fasteners) into a single monolithic link structure with integrated gear teeth and connection features. This consolidation maintains the load capacity of traditional multi-part chains while eliminating the need for special assembly tools and fixtures, as the links can be assembled by simply inserting pins through aligned holes.
Solution Approach 2:
While the link itself is monolithic, the patent maintains segmentability by designing the link with distinct functional zones (pushing face, pushed face, gear teeth, connection holes) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This allows for modular assembly without requiring complex tooling to hold multiple small parts in alignment.
4Ease of operation
If traditional rigid chains require lubrication, then smooth movement is achieved, but additional maintenance and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic link design with smooth polymer surfaces provides inherent low-friction movement without requiring external lubrication. The polyacrylamide resin material itself has self-lubricating properties that allow the chain links to move smoothly against each other and against drive sprockets, eliminating the need for lubrication systems and reducing maintenance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid drive chain comprises a plurality of links connected end-to-end. The links have a block end including a pair of receptacles, a driving face and a driven face. The links have a connector end including a tongue. The block end and connector end are one-piece members that include a plurality of gear teeth along one side of both the block end and connector end. A plurality of protrusions or pins connect the tongues to the receptacles. The links are adapted to be pivoted by a driving gear between a driving orientation of the links with the driving face engaging the driven face of an adjacent link in a forward direction.