Plate Link Chain Stiffness and Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate link chains for continuously variable transmissions in motor vehicles face challenges in cost-effectiveness and service life, particularly in preventing kinking and bending, and in simplifying production and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The plate link chain incorporates longer and shorter link plates coupled by pairs of rocker pressure members, with all link plates featuring multiple longitudinally extending appendages or tips at their corners, which enhance stiffness, prevent kinking, and simplify production and assembly, while maintaining uniformity in design to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If link plates are designed with multiple longitudinally extending appendages at corners, then stiffness is improved and kinking is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The appendages are pre-formed as integral parts of the link plates during manufacturing, rather than being added separately. This preliminary formation of stiffening elements prevents kinking while avoiding the complexity of separate assembly steps, as the appendages are created in the same manufacturing process as the base link plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The link plates are divided into functional zones: the main body for structural support and the corner appendages for stiffness enhancement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the main body for strength and the appendages for preventing kinking - while being manufactured as a single integrated component.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform design is applied to all link plates, then production costs are reduced, but adaptability to different chain configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The link plates are designed with universal features - the standardized appendage configuration and opening design allow the same link plate type to be used in multiple chain configurations and positions. This multi-functionality enables a single design to serve various purposes in the chain assembly, reducing the number of different part types needed while maintaining design flexibility for different chain arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If simpler link plate design is used, then assembly is simplified, but service life is reduced due to increased kinking and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The appendages are pre-formed as integral parts of the link plates during manufacturing, rather than being added separately. This preliminary formation of stiffening elements prevents kinking while avoiding the complexity of separate assembly steps, as the appendages are created in the same manufacturing process as the base link plate structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If fewer opening types are used in link plates, then production is simplified, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The link plate design incorporates locally optimized features - the opening is positioned and shaped to provide optimal structural integrity at critical stress points, while the appendages are strategically placed at corners where stiffness is most needed. This local quality approach ensures that each feature is optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate link chain for a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle. The chain is formed from longer and shorter chain links that are formed from and that include respective longer and shorter link plates that are coupled to each other by pairs of rocker pressure members. Both the shorter link plates and the longer link plates have at least one longitudinally extending external appendage.