Plate-Link Chain Link Assembly Without Welded Load Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain links for chain conveyors, particularly those used in heavy-duty bulk material handling, are susceptible to material failure due to limited strength at welds or bends, and high-strength steels cannot be effectively joined by welding or bending, leading to potential fracture and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The chain link design features two plate-shaped side walls connected by force transmission components that project outward at right angles, using a positive-locking connection without welding or bending, allowing for high-strength steel usage and simplified manufacturing, with a plug-in connection design that enhances force transmission and prevents relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or bending is used to attach force transmission components to side walls, then the chain link can be manufactured, but the strength is limited and material failure occurs at welds or bends
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link is divided into separate components: side walls and force transmission components, which are manufactured independently and then assembled together using a positive-locking connection. This segmentation eliminates the need for welding or bending, thereby preventing material failure at connection points and maintaining the high strength properties of the entire chain link structure.
2Strength
If high-strength steel is used, then the chain link strength increases, but welding and bending become ineffective leading to manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chain link into separate side wall and force transmission component parts, the design allows high-strength steel to be used without requiring welding or bending operations. Each component can be manufactured independently using appropriate processes, and then assembled through a positive-locking connection, thus maintaining both high strength and manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A positive-locking connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the side walls and force transmission components, enabling the assembly of high-strength steel parts without requiring welding or bending. This intermediary connection method preserves the material properties while enabling practical manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the force transmission component is integrated with the side wall, then manufacturing is simpler, but the strength and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than integrating the force transmission component with the side wall, the design segments them into separate parts that are assembled using a positive-locking connection. This segmentation paradoxically improves both strength and durability by eliminating weak points at welds or bends, while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly processes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chain link (1) for a plate-link chain (2) of a chain conveyor (3), having two substantially flat side walls (4) which are spaced-apart from, and parallel to, each other in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link (1) and securely fastened together, and two force-introduction components (5), wherein every force-introduction component (5) protrudes outwards in the transverse direction (x-direction) from an associated side wall (4) for the purpose of fastening it to a conveyor belt of the chain conveyor (3) and is a component that is separate from the side walls (4), and wherein the force-introduction components (5) are substantially flat and every force-introduction component (5) is interlockingly connected to its associated side wall (4). The present invention further relates to a plate-link chain (2) having multiple chain links (1), and to a chain conveyor (3) comprising a plate-link chain (2).