Rolling Element Chain With Gradient Ribs For Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chains for rolling elements face issues with flexibility and strength, leading to reduced lifespan and inability to smoothly navigate turning paths at high speeds and heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A chain design featuring a carrier belt with alternating retainers and ribs of varying thickness, where the ribs' thickness increases towards the hole openings, enhancing the connection between side strips and retainers for improved flexibility and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the carrier belt is increased to improve strength, then the connection strength between side strips and retainers is improved, but the flexibility of the chain deteriorates, causing difficulty in passing through turning paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating ribs with varying thicknesses at different locations. The ribs have a first thickness at the connection portion with the side strip (providing strength) and a second, smaller thickness at the portion extending toward the retainer (providing flexibility). This gradient thickness design allows different regions of the same component to satisfy conflicting requirements of strength and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the rib structure to be non-uniform in thickness, creating a dynamic transition from rigid (thicker) to flexible (thinner) regions. This allows the rib to adapt its mechanical properties along its length, being stiff where needed for connection strength and flexible where needed for turning path navigation.
2Ease of operation
If the thickness of the carrier belt is decreased to improve flexibility, then the chain can smoothly pass through turning paths, but the connection strength between side strips and retainers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality through strategically placed ribs with gradient thickness. The thicker portion at the side strip connection provides the necessary strength, while the thinner portion extending toward the retainer maintains flexibility. This localized variation in thickness allows the overall structure to satisfy both strength and flexibility requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional chain design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the chain suffers from reduced lifespan under high speed and heavy load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the rib structure, specifically the thickness distribution. By changing from a uniform thickness design to a gradient thickness design (first thickness at connection, second smaller thickness extending outward), the patent optimizes both mechanical performance and manufacturing characteristics for high-speed, heavy-load applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A chain for rolling elements includes a carrier belt having first and second side strip on two sides thereof, and multiple holes are defined in the carrier belt and located between the first and second side strips. Each hole has a first opening end and a second opening end. Multiple retainers are connected to the carrier belt and located alternatively with respect to the holes. Multiple first ribs are connected between the first side strip and the retainer. Multiple second ribs are connected between the second side strip and the retainer. Each of the first and second side strips has a thickness T1, and each of the first and second ribs has a thickness T2 which is smaller than T1. The first and second ribs reinforce connections between the first and second side strips and the retainers so that the chain has even flexibility and can operate smoothly.