Segmented Chain Drive With Variable Pin Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain drives in mechanical vehicles and power plants lack efficiency in torque transmission, leading to increased energy losses and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A chain drive system comprising an internally toothed driven gear with external teeth meshed via a chain and a tensioning wheel, where the chain links have alternately placed external and internal links with pins, and protrusions acting as teeth that adjust to match the driven gear's diameter, reducing the number of teeth on the driven gear and optimizing the distance between pins for efficient torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional chain drive with alternately placed internal and external links is used, then the chain can transmit torque, but the driven gear requires many teeth which increases rotational inertia and reduces acceleration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The chain links are segmented into alternating internal and external links, each with specific pin configurations. This segmentation allows the chain to engage with fewer teeth on the driven gear while maintaining continuous torque transmission through the alternating link structure
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric axis of the pin in external links is positioned outside the plane formed by the axes of other pins, creating a three-dimensional pin arrangement. This spatial configuration enables more efficient engagement with the driven gear teeth, reducing the number of teeth required while maintaining torque transmission capability
2Loss of energy
If the distance between chain pins is made variable to match the driven gear diameter, then torque transmission efficiency improves, but the chain structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into internal and external links with different pin configurations. Internal links have pins positioned to match the driven gear diameter, while external links have pins positioned to match the driving gear pitch, creating a segmented structure that optimizes engagement at different locations
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the chain have different pin spacing characteristics optimized for their specific function. The internal links have variable pin spacing adapted to the driven gear diameter for efficient torque reception, while external links maintain consistent spacing for driving gear engagement
3Reliability
If the geometric axis of the pin is located outside the plane of other pin axes, then engagement with driven gear teeth improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chain structure is segmented into internal and external links with clearly defined pin configurations. This segmentation allows each link type to be manufactured and assembled with standardized precision requirements, while the cumulative effect of alternating links achieves the desired three-dimensional engagement geometry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention is related to a chain drive transferring torque, used in particular in drives of mechanical vehicles and in wind power plants and hydroelectric power plants. A chain drive made of an internally toothed gear and an internal gear with external teeth located inside and meshed with said internally toothed gear, characterised in that a driving gear (3) and a tensioning gear (5), wrapped by a drive chain (6) with teeth (9) formed on its external side and meshing with the driven gear (1) at a location where said teeth are pressed towards gear teeth (2) by the tensioning gear (5), are located inside the driven gear (1).