Pre-loaded Drive Chain with Bias Spring for Buckling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art motion-transmitting drive chains are susceptible to buckling due to improper loading or misalignment of compressive forces, which can cause the links to rotate in the wrong direction, leading to inefficiency in transmitting axial compressive loads.
Innovation Solution
A pre-loaded drive chain design that incorporates a compressive bias force, such as a coil spring or elastic band, to ensure the links rotate in a controlled direction, preventing buckling by applying a compressive force that locks the interlocking projections, thereby maintaining chain stability under axial loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a drive chain is designed without pre-loading, then the structure is simpler, but the chain becomes susceptible to buckling under compressive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the drive chain with a compressive force through a spring mechanism before the chain is subjected to operational loads. This pre-loading ensures the links are initially locked in the correct orientation, preventing buckling from occurring during operation. The spring continuously applies this preliminary compressive force to maintain link stability.
2Reliability
If a pre-loading spring is added to prevent buckling, then the buckling resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring mechanism with the chain structure itself, integrating the buckling prevention function into the chain's existing components. The spring is positioned to work in conjunction with the link geometry and interlocking features, combining multiple functions (load transmission and buckling prevention) into a unified structure rather than adding separate independent systems.
3Ease of operation
If the links are freely rotatable, then the ease of operation improves, but the chain becomes susceptible to rotating in the wrong direction under compressive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the link geometry with non-symmetric interlocking features that permit rotation in one direction but prevent rotation in the opposite direction. The link profiles are shaped such that they can freely rotate during normal operation but lock when subjected to compressive forces, using asymmetric shapes to control the direction of rotation based on the applied load type.
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
The pre-loaded drive chain effectively prevents buckling and maintains stability under compressive loads, ensuring efficient transmission of axial forces and reducing the likelihood of chain misalignment, enhancing the performance of applications like rodless dispensers for extrudable materials.
Implementation Method 1
A pre-loaded drive chain design that incorporates a compressive bias force, such as a coil spring or elastic band
Implementation Method 2
A pre-loaded drive chain design that incorporates a compressive bias force, such as a coil spring or elastic band
Data Source
AI summary
A motion transmitting drive chain (drive chain) is prevented from buckling by applying a relatively small compressive bias force to one side of the pins around which the chain links rotate. The bias force is applied on the locking projection side of the pins axes of rotation such that the links are urged to rotate in the direction required to lock them against each other.