Push Resistant Thrust Chain With Segmented Disc Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-resistant linear chains require complex guidance systems and significant manufacturing effort, especially when deflecting to change direction, and they often necessitate lateral guidance outside of the deflection section, which complicates their operation and production.

Innovation Solution

The design features chain links composed of identically shaped toothed segment disks with outwardly diverging teeth and straight or planar edge sections, allowing for efficient deflection with a drive-side spur gear that engages the teeth of the chain links, eliminating the need for additional parts and simplifying manufacturing, while using a deflection roller to minimize the lever arm and power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional push chains with circular segment discs are used, then the chain can be guided through a drive housing, but complex guidance systems are required and manufacturing is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance of push chainVSAvoidguidance system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chain links are segmented into multiple identical disc sections joined together, with each disc having standardized features (bolt receiving holes, tooth-shaped projections). This segmentation allows modular assembly and simplifies both guidance and manufacturing, as each disc is a standardized component that can be easily produced and replaced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identical discs serve multiple functions: they provide structural integrity for thrust transmission, enable guidance through standardized outer edges, facilitate connection via bolt receiving holes, and allow engagement with drive sprockets through tooth-shaped projections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized guidance components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If push chains are designed to deflect at predetermined positions, then direction change is enabled, but significant manufacturing effort is required especially for deflection sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing of deflection section

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection capability is achieved by segmenting the chain into identical disc sections that can be arranged in different configurations. The standardized outer edges and connection features allow the same disc design to be used in both straight and deflected sections, eliminating the need for specialized deflection components and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating complex specialized components for deflection, the invention uses standardized identical discs that can be arranged to create deflection. The simplicity of the basic disc unit is inverted to create the complexity of deflected paths, rather than using complex units to create simple paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If push chains require lateral guidance outside deflection section, then stability is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain stabilityVSAvoidlateral guidance system

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized outer edges of all identical discs provide uniform guidance characteristics throughout the chain, creating an equipotential guidance system where each disc interacts equally with the drive housing. This eliminates the need for specialized lateral guidance components, as the chain's own structure provides consistent guidance along its entire length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Ease of manufacture

If chain links use identically shaped discs, then manufacturing is simplified, but adequate thrust force transmission and deflection performance must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing of chain linksVSAvoidthrust force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Each chain link is segmented into multiple identical discs that work together to transmit thrust forces. The standardized features (bolt receiving holes, tooth-shaped projections, outer edges) enable consistent manufacturing while the segmented structure distributes and transmits forces effectively through the chain of identical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The number, size, and arrangement of identical discs in each chain link can be adjusted to optimize thrust force transmission capacity. By changing parameters of the identical disc units (such as adding more discs or modifying their dimensions), the chain can be adapted for different force requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enables smooth operation with reduced manufacturing complexity and minimal driving force requirements, allowing the linear chain to deflect without lateral guidance, enhancing efficiency and power transmission while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

designed to transmit thrust forces linearly, at least over a section of the chain, without buckling in any direction perpendicular to the thrust direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural rigidity:

Implementation Method 2

a drive-side spur gear of a chain drive that engages the teeth of the toothed segment discs of a chain link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear engagement: Gear

Implementation Method 3

using a deflection roller to minimize the lever arm and power loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 4

Each of the two bolts is also designed to pivotally engage in a bolt receiving hole in identically shaped, flush-mounted discs of a laterally adjacent disc assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivotal engagement: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3404290B1Push resistant thrust chain actuated with chain transmission

Publication Date: 2019.11.27 K G TECTRONIC GMBH

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AI summary

A rigid push chain, actuated by a chain drive, comprises chain links made of identical discs joined flush together. Each disc has at least one arcuate edge section (3) extending substantially in one longitudinal direction of the disc, an edge section (2) opposite the arcuate edge section on the outside, and tooth-like projections (4, 5, 6) on one of the edge sections (2, 3). Each disc has two bolt holes (7, 8), each accommodating a bolt (17 to 20) that can hold several discs together. Each disc is shaped like a toothed segment disc (1), mimicking a toothed segment of a gear, such that teeth (4 to 6) project outwards diverging from the arcuate edge section (3) of the toothed segment disc (1). The edge section (2) opposite the arcuate edge section (3) on the outside is straight or planar in the longitudinal direction of the toothed segment disc (1).