Planar Rigidizable Chain Assembly With One-Plane Compression Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chain assemblies are limited in their ability to transmit external compression forces and resist forces applied from other directions, making them unsuitable for applications requiring structural support beyond tension transmission.
Innovation Solution
The development of chain assemblies with rotatable support elements arranged linearly within a reference plane, featuring projecting members and receiving cavities that allow rotation perpendicular to the plane, combined with a retention system to prevent disengagement and control movement, enabling the assembly to resist motion outside the plane of support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chain assemblies use traditional link configurations, then they can transmit tension forces, but they cannot transmit compression forces or resist forces from other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly is divided into discrete link elements, each containing projecting members and receiving cavities. This segmentation allows each link to independently control movement in specific directions while maintaining flexibility in others, enabling the assembly to resist compression and lateral forces while preserving tension transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geometric constraints through projecting members extending from one link into receiving cavities of adjacent links. This dimensional configuration restricts movement to specific planes and directions, transforming the chain's capability from one-dimensional tension transmission to multi-dimensional force resistance including compression and lateral loads
2Ease of operation
If chain links are configured to allow free movement, then they can transmit tension, but they cannot prevent lateral deflection or collapse under compression
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly implements different movement constraints at different locations and orientations. Projecting members and receiving cavities are configured to allow rotation and movement within a specific plane while preventing lateral deflection and collapse. This local differentiation of constraints enables the chain to maintain operational flexibility while ensuring structural reliability under various loading conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If chain assemblies use simple link connections, then they are easy to manufacture, but they cannot control the direction and extent of bending or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly employs dynamic geometric constraints through rotatable link elements with projecting members and receiving cavities. These elements can rotate and adjust within controlled ranges, allowing the assembly to adapt to different operational conditions while maintaining precise control over bending and displacement directions. The design balances manufacturing simplicity with controlled flexibility through geometric rather than complex mechanical constraints
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various examples of support assemblies comprising multiple elements engaged together and independently rotatable within or substantially parallel to a reference plane while resisting twisting, rotation, or other movement in directions other than substantially within or parallel to the reference plane. The elements typically include projecting members received within cavities of adjacent elements that are configured to allow the resulting assembly to collectively flex within, or substantially parallel to, the reference plane while resisting movement in other directions.