Roller Chain Assembly with Bent Leg Plates and Groove Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller chain assemblies are limited by predetermined pin spacing, restricting their use to specific sizes and spacings of leg plates, and lack sufficient resistance to loads that could dislodge the chain from the frame, limiting their application in various environments.
Innovation Solution
The roller chain assembly features bent leg plates with integrated rotatable pins that provide multiple points of support against the frame, and connecting pins that engage with a groove in the frame to resist movement, allowing for broader compatibility and improved load resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pins are mounted at fixed locations on the frame with predetermined spacing, then the support structure is simple and rigid, but the leg plates must be specifically sized and spaced to match the pin spacing, limiting adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting pins on the frame to support the chain, the patent inverts the arrangement by carrying the pins on the bent leg plates of the chain itself. These pins then support the chain against the frame, allowing the chain to adapt to different frame configurations while maintaining stable support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent leg plates with integrated pins serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the chain, act as bearing surfaces against the frame, and enable compatibility with various frame sizes and configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for frame-specific pin mounting arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chain assembly is designed for basic support functionality, then the structure is simple, but it lacks sufficient resistance to loads urging the chain away from the frame, limiting application scope
Solution Approach 1:
The chain assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: bent leg plates for structural support, integrated pins for bearing and positioning, and groove-received pin portions for lateral constraint. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove in the frame acts as an intermediary element that receives the extending pin portions of the chain. This groove-mediated connection provides lateral constraint and resistance to loads urging the chain away from the frame, enabling the assembly to function in broader working environments without complex additional structures.
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 design enables the roller chain assembly to be used with a variety of chain sizes and in diverse environments, enhancing its adaptability and resistance to loads, thus expanding its applicability.
Implementation Method 1
bearings carried by each bent leg plate... formed as rotatable pins that extend away from the leg plate and support the leg plate against the frame
Implementation Method 2
Contact of the connecting pin extending portions with the wall defining the groove resists movement of the chain links away from the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A roller chain assembly includes an attachment chain having links that carry bent leg plates extending over a frame. The leg plates each carry a number of roller pins supporting the plate against the frame at predetermined, multiple points on the plate. The chain links have connecting pins extending outwardly from the chain links that are received in grooves formed in the frame.