Offset Bearing Chain for Preform Transport Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endless chains for transporting preforms through heat-conditioning ovens suffer from rapid wear and low force resistance due to the use of needle roller bearings, which are not sealed and require frequent maintenance, and pose hygiene concerns with lubricant contamination.
Innovation Solution
The chain design features offset bearings with an outer diameter greater than the pitch, coaxial self-lubricating sealed ball bearings, and a symmetrical arrangement of odd and even links to enhance durability and hygiene, reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If needle roller bearings are used in the chain, then the chain can be compact in size, but the bearings wear quickly and have low force resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the bearings vertically relative to each other along the chain, transitioning from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical/staggered arrangement. This dimensional change allows the use of larger diameter ball bearings without increasing the horizontal chain width, resolving the contradiction between compact size and bearing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bearing type from needle roller bearings to ball bearings with larger outer diameters. This parameter change improves force resistance and wear properties while the vertical offset arrangement maintains compact overall dimensions.
2Device complexity
If non-sealed rolling bearings are used, then the chain structure is simpler, but the bearings require frequent maintenance and lubricant may contaminate preforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-lubricating sealed ball bearings that contain their own lubrication system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external lubrication and frequent maintenance, while the sealed design prevents lubricant leakage onto preforms, resolving both the maintenance frequency and contamination issues.
3Reliability
If traditional lubricants are used in the chain, then the bearings function properly, but the lubricant may be projected onto preforms causing hygiene concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The self-lubricating sealed bearings contain their lubrication system internally, preventing lubricant from being projected onto preforms. This eliminates the hygiene concern while maintaining proper bearing function through the self-contained lubrication mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lubrication function from the external environment and incorporates it into the bearing itself through self-lubricating materials. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of lubricant projection while preserving the bearing's functional reliability.
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 significantly reduces wear and maintenance requirements, improves force resistance, and ensures non-toxic lubrication, enhancing the chain's operational efficiency and hygiene compliance.
Implementation Method 1
each joint has two coaxial bearings; the bearings are formed by self-lubricating sealed ball bearings
Implementation Method 2
the bearings are formed by self-lubricating sealed ball bearings
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endless chain (20) for transporting preforms, comprising a succession of longitudinal links (22A, 22B), each of which is pivotally attached to the next one by an articulation (24, 26), in which chain (20): each articulation (24, 26) has at least one bearing (44A, 44B, 48A, 48B) for pivotally mounting two successive links (22A, 22B) about a vertical articulation axis (A3, A4); two successive articulation axes (A3, A4) are spaced apart by a defined spacing (P); and each link (22A, 22B) is capable of carrying means for supporting at least one preform, characterized in that each bearing (44A, 48A) for an articulation (24) is vertically offset with respect to each bearing (44B, 48B) for the next articulation (26).