Self-locking Link for Transverse Conveyor Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transverse-mounted conveyor chains face issues with links dismounting due to friction with screens or walls and increased complexity and cost with external attachments, leading to wear and hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking link design with complementary male and female coupling means and retaining mechanisms allows for secure transverse retention without external elements, using elastic deformation to ensure link engagement and stability within the chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screens or walls are used to retain links in the transverse direction, then link retention is improved, but friction and wear increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the external screens or walls from the system and integrates the retention function directly into the link structure itself. Each link incorporates coupling means with retaining elements that prevent transverse displacement without requiring separate retaining structures, thereby eliminating the friction and wear problems associated with external screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is merged with the link structure by integrating coupling means directly into each link. The coupling means include retaining elements that work together to prevent transverse displacement, combining the functions of link connection and transverse retention into a single integrated component rather than separate elements.
2Reliability
If external attachment means are used to secure links, then link retention is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment function with the link structure itself. Each link is equipped with coupling means that include both connection and retention functions integrated into the link body, eliminating the need for separate external attachment means and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means serve multiple functions: they connect adjacent links together and simultaneously provide retention in the transverse direction. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of coupling means with retaining elements that work together to secure links without requiring additional specialized components.
3Reliability
If external attachment means are used to secure links, then link retention is improved, but mounting and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes external attachment means from the system and replaces them with integrated coupling means built into each link. This simplifies the overall structure and makes mounting and maintenance easier by eliminating the need to handle and install separate attachment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means are designed to automatically engage and lock when links are assembled in the transverse direction. The retaining elements work passively to secure links without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-securing and easier to maintain.
4Reliability
If external attachment means are used to secure links, then link retention is improved, but hygiene conditions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes external attachment means that create gaps and crevices between components. By integrating the retention function into the link structure itself, the design eliminates spaces where debris and contaminants could accumulate, improving hygiene conditions while maintaining link retention.
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
The solution effectively retains links in the transverse direction without external elements, reducing wear, cost, and maintenance complexity while maintaining hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
The end of the link wherein the retaining means are is elastically deformed at the final moment of the assembly of two adjacent links
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Self-closing link (1) especially designed to be used in the transverse-mounted conveyor chains. The link has means (2, 3) to be attached to a same link adjacent to it in such a way that when a transverse-mounted conveyor chain is mounted with a plurality of such links, the retention in the transverse direction of all links in the chain is ensured without the need for additional or external elements.