Interpenetrating Rigid Chain Link Assembly for Bending Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid chains used for moving loads face issues with manufacturing defects accumulating over length, leading to reduced functionality and limited chain length due to bending forces perpendicular to the flanks, and existing configurations are either fragile or require complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
The rigid chain links are formed by assembling identical rectangular flanges with a heel and base extending on either side of the main plane, allowing for interpenetration and compensation of manufacturing defects, enhancing resistance to bending and buckling, and simplifying assembly with reversed orientation of flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical flat pieces are assembled in a staggered pattern to form flanges, then manufacturing and assembling is facilitated, but unwanted play and relative movement appear between pieces under bending stress perpendicular to the flange plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements interpenetration of flanges where one flange is inserted into the next, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement eliminates play and relative movement between flange pieces while maintaining ease of assembly, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and assembly stability.
2Productivity
If manufacturing defects occur in batch-produced parts, then individual defects may be acceptable at the link level, but defects accumulate along the chain length and prevent proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chain into modular links where each link is a self-contained unit with integrated flanges. This segmentation allows defects to be isolated to individual links rather than accumulating across the entire chain, maintaining reliability even with batch production defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The interpenetrating flange design inherently compensates for manufacturing defects by providing mechanical tolerance and alignment features that cushion against dimensional variations in batch-produced parts, preventing defect accumulation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a bending force is applied perpendicular to the flanges, then the crimping and flatness of flanges can be compromised, but this leads to bending of flanges and jamming of the chain
Solution Approach 1:
The nested interpenetration configuration provides structural reinforcement against bending forces perpendicular to the flange plane. The interlocking geometry distributes bending stresses across multiple contact points, preventing flange bending and chain jamming while maintaining simple flange construction.
4Device complexity
If the chain is made from single-piece flanges, then assembly is simplified, but the chain remains limited in length to avoid failures due to manufacturing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented links with interpenetrating flanges that maintain structural integrity over extended chain lengths. Each segment acts as an independent unit with defect isolation, allowing the overall chain to achieve greater length without proportionally increasing failure risk.
Data Source
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AI summary
Link (200n) for a rigid chain (100), comprising at least one flange (1), of rectangular overall shape, with a substantially constant thickness (93, 97) perpendicularly to its main plane (81). The flange (1) comprises a first part (2) and a second part (4). Each of the parts (2, 4) comprises: a heel (5) designed to bear against a corresponding heel of a similar flange (1n-1; 1n+1) of an adjacent link (200n-1; 200n+1) of the rigid chain (100), and a base (7) designed to form a bearing about a rotary pin (400) with respect to said adjacent link (200n-1; 200n+1). The heel (5) and the base (7) each extend on either side of the main plane (81) and parallel to said main plane (81).