Planar Rigidizable Chain Assembly for Compression and Torque Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain assemblies are primarily designed for transmitting tension and are ineffective in handling compression, torque, or lateral deflection, limiting their application to situations where only tension is applied.
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 within the plane while preventing movement out of the plane, along with a retention system to control the direction and extent of bending or displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If chain assemblies use traditional link configurations for tension transmission, then tension transmission capability is improved, but ability to handle compression, torque, and lateral deflection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly is divided into multiple rigid links connected by articulation assemblies, allowing each segment to maintain structural integrity while enabling controlled movement at connection points. This segmentation allows the chain to handle complex forces while maintaining tension transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation assemblies incorporate rotatable elements that allow dynamic adjustment of link orientations. This enables the chain to adapt to compression, torque, and lateral deflection forces while maintaining functional connectivity between links.
2Ease of operation
If chain assemblies allow free movement between links for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability and load support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation assemblies are pre-configured with retaining structures and guide surfaces that establish proper link alignment before load application. This preliminary configuration ensures that links move only within intended degrees of freedom while maintaining structural stability under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation assemblies act as intermediary mechanisms between rigid links, providing controlled articulation through rotatable elements. These intermediaries enable necessary flexibility while constraining movement to maintain overall structural integrity and load-bearing capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If chain assemblies use simple link connections for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but ability to control movement direction and prevent lateral deflection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation assemblies incorporate nested structures where retaining elements and guide surfaces are integrated within the assembly housing. This nesting allows complex movement control functionality to be achieved without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design adds dimensional constraints through three-dimensional articulation assemblies that control movement in multiple directions simultaneously. By implementing constraints in additional spatial dimensions, the chain achieves precise movement control while maintaining relatively simple link structures.
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.