Push Thrust Chain Assembly With Flush Bolts for Narrow Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push chains used in chain drives for applications like windows and doors are wide, complex, and costly to produce, with high manufacturing effort, and lack optimal stability and deflection properties.
Innovation Solution
A push chain design featuring toothed segment disks and chain tension anchors arranged in a sandwich-like manner with bolts that are flush or recessed, providing a narrow profile and secure axial fixation through press fits or laser welding, allowing for efficient production and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts protrude beyond the chain tie rods to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but the chain width increases and risk of snagging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful protruding parts (bolt heads) are removed from the chain link structure. Instead of having bolts protrude beyond the chain tie rods, the bolts are designed to be flush or recessed, extracting the problematic external projections while maintaining the internal connection function through press-fit and deformation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt connection mechanism transitions from a protruding head design to a flush/recessed design. The bolt length and head geometry are modified so that the bolt ends are exactly flush with or recessed into the chain tie rod surface, changing the spatial parameter of the connection from protruding to non-protruding while maintaining connection integrity through press-fit and deformation.
2Reliability
If complex fixation means are used to secure bolts axially, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt connection system becomes self-fixing without additional fixation components. The bolt's own geometry (press-fit dimensions, deformation zones) provides the axial securing function, eliminating the need for separate fixation means such as nuts, washers, or locking mechanisms. The connection stabilizes itself through the press-fit and deformation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial fixation function is merged into the bolt itself rather than being a separate function. The bolt combines both the connection function (joining toothed segment discs and chain tie rods) and the axial fixation function (securing itself against withdrawal) into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate fixation elements.
3Reliability
If additional fixation means are added to prevent bolt displacement, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Additional fixation means (nuts, locking washers, seal elements) are extracted from the connection system. The design relies solely on the press-fit and deformation characteristics of the bolt itself, removing the need for multiple separate fixation components and thereby reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is designed as a single-use, non-adjustable connection element that provides both connection and fixation functions in one component. Rather than using multiple reusable fixation elements, the system employs a simple, inexpensive bolt that achieves its function through press-fit and deformation, reducing overall component count and manufacturing cost.
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 design achieves a narrow, stable, and cost-effective push chain with improved power transmission and deflection properties, preventing overstretching and transverse bending, while simplifying production and reducing the risk of snagging on system parts.
Implementation Method 1
the bolts are advantageously pressed immovably into the bolt receiving holes of the chain tension anchors with a press fit (frictional or force-locking connection)
Implementation Method 2
This type of axial and radial adjustment lock can be implemented alternatively using laser welding and/or by caulking the hole edges of the chain tie rods
Implementation Method 3
The bolt head is preferably compressed by machining or external pressure in such a way that it secures or locks the assembly against displacement in the axial direction. This is achieved by the compressed bolt head projecting slightly radially beyond the edge of the bolt receiving hole
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a rigid push chain (2) that can be operated by a chain drive. The chain links of the push chain (2) are designed such that, while achieving the highest possible stability and good power transmission, as well as good deflection and smooth running characteristics, the narrowest possible design can be realized. Furthermore, it is an objective to further simplify the manufacturing process.The push chain (2) comprises an inner part (54) composed of toothed segment discs (4), an intermediate part (56) also composed of toothed segment discs (4), and an outer part composed of chain tension anchors (40). The intermediate part (56) surrounds the inner part (54) in a sandwich-like manner, and the outer part surrounds the intermediate part (56) in a sandwich-like manner. The toothed segment discs (4) and the chain tension anchors (40) have aligned bolt receiving holes (16, 18, 42, 44) and are connected to each other by means of bolts (20, 22) inserted through the bolt receiving holes (16, 18, 42, 44). The bolts (20, 22) are dimensioned such that they do not protrude beyond the outer surfaces of the chain tension anchors (40).