Planar Rigidizable Chain Assembly for Compression Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chain assemblies are limited in their ability to transmit external compression forces and resist forces applied from other directions, making them unsuitable for applications requiring structural support beyond tension transmission.
Innovation Solution
The development of chain assemblies with rotatable support elements arranged linearly within a reference plane, featuring projecting members and receiving cavities that allow rotation perpendicular to the plane, combined with a retention system to prevent disengagement and control bending or displacement, enabling the assembly to resist motion outside the plane of support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chain assemblies use simple interconnected links for tension transmission, then ease of manufacture and simplicity are improved, but the ability to transmit compression forces and resist forces from other directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly is divided into multiple individual links that are interconnected. Each link is a separate component with specific geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that allow it to function independently while contributing to the overall structural capability of the assembly when connected to other links.
Solution Approach 2:
The links are designed with three-dimensional geometric features including protrusions extending from surfaces and corresponding recesses that receive these protrusions. This dimensional design enables the links to resist forces applied from multiple directions (not just along the chain axis), providing compression resistance and lateral stability while maintaining manufacturability.
2Device complexity
If chain assemblies use simple interconnected links, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control movement and prevent lateral deflection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly consists of multiple discrete links that can move relative to each other, allowing the assembly to adapt to various configurations while maintaining stability through the geometric constraints provided by the protrusion-recess interface at each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The links incorporate three-dimensional protrusions and corresponding recesses that constrain movement in multiple directions. This geometric design prevents lateral deflection and controls the relative positioning of adjacent links without requiring complex mechanical constraints, maintaining simplicity while enhancing stability.
3Ease of operation
If chain assemblies are designed to allow free movement between links, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to resist forces applied from other directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions extend from surfaces of the links and are received in corresponding recesses, creating a three-dimensional engagement that resists forces applied from multiple directions including lateral forces and compression forces, while still allowing the links to move relative to each other along the chain axis for ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various examples of support assemblies comprising multiple elements engaged together and independently rotatable within or substantially parallel to a reference plane while resisting twisting, rotation, or other movement in directions other than substantially within or parallel to the reference plane. The elements typically include projecting members received within cavities of adjacent elements that are configured to allow the resulting assembly to collectively flex within, or substantially parallel to, the reference plane while resisting movement in other directions.