Spring-Loaded Push Chain End Piece for Buckling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push chain arrangements in building applications tend to buckle or bend laterally when extended, leading to instability and early failure, especially with large lifting heights and misalignments in the chain drive system.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded, pivotable end piece connected to a connecting element via a cross bolt, which automatically adjusts the push chain into a shear-stable, slightly overstretched configuration under shear load, reducing lateral deflection and stabilizing the chain without additional guide elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the push chain is extended to achieve high lifting heights, then the lifting capability is improved, but the chain becomes unstable and buckles laterally
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element pre-loads the push chain in the longitudinal direction before lateral forces act on it. This preliminary tensile force creates initial tension that stabilizes the chain against lateral buckling, allowing high lifting heights without instability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element dynamically adjusts the tensile force parameter in the push chain based on operational conditions. By changing the tension parameter, the chain maintains optimal stability across different lifting heights and load conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional guide or support elements are added to stabilize the chain, then the chain stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is merged with the existing connecting element and end piece structure. The spring element is integrated into the connecting element, and the eccentric bearing is combined with the end piece, eliminating the need for separate guide or support elements
Solution Approach 2:
The push chain assembly stabilizes itself through the spring-loaded eccentric bearing mechanism. The spring automatically adjusts the bearing position to maintain optimal chain tension and alignment, with no external guidance or support structures required
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 solution effectively stabilizes the push chain by compensating for lateral forces and maintaining stability and control, reducing the risk of buckling and extending the chain's lifespan without additional support structures.
Implementation Method 1
the end piece is spring-loaded in/on the connecting element by means of a spring element in such a way that the push chain is automatically brought into the push-stable configuration (preferably with slight back bending) by the spring force of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
Within the scope of the invention, this is achieved by a spring-loaded eccentric bearing of the chain end in a connecting element (shaped piece) intended for attachment to the object to be actuated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a push chain arrangement with a push chain (2) composed of a plurality of chain links (4), which can be deflected along a bending direction (14) when force is applied and which can be brought into a shear-stable, preferably slightly overstretched, configuration when force is applied along a locking direction (18). To avoid instabilities during actuation, an end piece (24) is mounted at one end of the push chain (2), which is connected to a connecting element (12) provided for attachment to an object to be actuated, wherein the end piece (24) is mounted in/on the connecting element (12) in such a way that it is tiltable or pivotable and spring-loaded by means of a spring element (46) such that the push chain (2) is brought into the shear-stable configuration by the spring force of the spring element (46) when shear load is applied.