One-Piece Plastic Chain Link for Tool-Free Vending Machine Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulating chains for vending machines are complex, requiring additional tools for assembly and maintenance, and necessitate frequent lubrication, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece plastic chain link design with a C-shaped pivot bearing part and a cylindrical bearing axis that allows for easy coupling and decoupling without tools, eliminating the need for lubrication and reducing maintenance efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional circulating chains with multiple components are used, then the chain can be formed into an endless recirculating chain, but additional tools such as chain tools are required for assembly and maintenance, and frequent lubrication is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional chain components (outer plate, inner plate, bolt, sleeve, roller) into a single integrated plastic chain link. The one-piece design eliminates the need for separate fastening components and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the functional integrity of the circulating chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic chain link performs multiple functions within a single component: it provides structural support, enables pivoting motion through the integrated pivot bearing part, and eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms. The C-shaped pivot bearing part with insertion opening serves both as a structural element and a self-contained fastening mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional circulating chains with multiple components are used, then the chain can be assembled, but additional tools such as chain tools are required for assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link design enables self-service assembly and maintenance through its integrated C-shaped pivot bearing part with insertion opening. The bearing axis can be directly inserted through the opening without requiring external fastening tools, allowing operators to assemble and maintain the chain using only their hands or simple tools already present at the vending machine location.
3Reliability
If traditional circulating chains are used, then the chain can operate, but frequent lubrication is necessary to prevent dirt penetration and maintain water repellency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal components requiring lubrication to plastic material that is inherently resistant to dirt and moisture. This material parameter change eliminates the need for frequent lubrication while maintaining the reliability of chain operation, thereby reducing maintenance-related productivity losses.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
In a chain link (1) for forming a circulating chain from a plurality of chain links (1) for a device for storing and providing at least one hanging product, the chain link (1) comprises a suspension hook (15) for suspending a hanging product, a pivot bearing part (10) with a recess (12) and a bearing axis (5) arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent (L) of the chain link (1) and a bearing axis (5) with an axis (S) perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (L) arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent (L) of the chain link (1) by means of two parallel cheeks (6) to the pivot bearing part (10). The chain link (1) is designed in one piece and the pivot bearing part (10) is C-shaped as an open eyelet with an insertion jaw (11) for receiving the bearing axis (5) of a subsequent chain link (1), and the insertion jaw (11) is designed to open into the recess (12) and to extend completely along the recess (12) in the transverse direction (Q).