Plate Link Chain Stops for Vertical Conveyor Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor line systems for horizontal conveyors face high construction and repair costs due to the need for different chain links with and without stops/counter-stops, as well as increased design complexity to navigate vertical curves and varying curve radii.
Innovation Solution
A link chain design where all chain links have stops and counter-stops allowing adjacent links to pivot against the direction of rotation up to a maximum angle, enabling vertical cornering with large radii without requiring stops/counter-stops at certain points, and allowing for a unified design of chain links to reduce spare parts and construction efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different chain links with and without stops/counter-stops are used to navigate vertical curves, then the conveyor can handle varying curve radii, but the device complexity and spare parts inventory increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing all chain links with identical stops and counter-stops, making every chain link capable of functioning in both rigid chain strand sections and flexible vertical curve sections. This eliminates the need for different chain link types while maintaining the ability to handle varying curve radii, thereby reducing device complexity and spare parts inventory without sacrificing adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If stops and counter-stops are designed to allow small pivoting angles, then vertical curves with large radii can be navigated, but the chain strand may sag in the upper run
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a distinction between the local pivoting capability at chain link joints and the global rigidity of the chain strand. The stops and counter-stops are designed to permit small pivoting angles (enabling vertical curve navigation) while the cumulative effect of multiple chain links maintains overall strand rigidity. This local flexibility with global stability allows the chain to navigate curves without excessive sagging
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
This design allows for efficient navigation of vertical curves with radii over 4 meters while minimizing the need for different spare parts and reducing construction and maintenance efforts, as all chain links can pivot with a small angle against the direction of rotation, and can handle curve radii up to 30 meters with optimized stop/counter-stop contact.
Implementation Method 1
the pin of one link being rotatably arranged within the bushing of an adjacent link
Implementation Method 2
it is known to form stops and counter-stops on adjacent chain links that prevent pivoting (hinging) of adjacent chain links against the direction of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a plate link chain (1) for a conveyor, comprising a plurality of chain links, each of which includes a first link plate (2), a second link plate (2) and at least one bushing or at least one pin (3) that connect/s the two link plates (2) to each other and keep/s them apart from each other, the pin (3) of a chain link being rotatably arranged within the bushing of an adjoining chain link; adjoining chain links are freely pivotable relative to each other in a revolving direction so as to form a closed plate link chain, and at least some adjoining chain links are fitted with a stop (4) and a mating stop (5) in order to limit the pivot angle of the adjoining chain links in the direction running against the revolving direction.