Self-Unkinking Chain Link Geometry for Kink Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chains face issues with kinking due to unintended contact between chain links, leading to inefficient force transmission and increased weight from additional material for kink prevention, which results in wear and mobility limitations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a horizontal chain link with functional sections that allow the vertical chain link to rotate out of a kink arrangement by using an inclined support path and guide surfaces, enabling independent unkinking without additional material for kink prevention, ensuring free mobility and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional material is added to prevent kinking, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain link is designed to automatically unkink itself through its own geometry. The asymmetric bow shape creates a self-aligning mechanism where the chain link naturally rotates out of kinked positions and returns to its proper alignment under load, eliminating the need for additional kink-prevention material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the chain link, specifically the asymmetric design of the bow with different radii on opposite sides. This parameter change creates a self-correcting mechanism that prevents kinking through the chain's own structure rather than adding external prevention elements
2Ease of operation
If the chain link is designed with asymmetric bow shape, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric bow design applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the same component. One side of the bow has a larger radius while the other has a smaller radius, creating local geometric variations that enable self-unkinking while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility
3Reliability
If functional sections are designed to block plunging, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric bow serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits tensile loads, prevents kinking through self-alignment, and eliminates the need for separate blocking features. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
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 solution allows for efficient force transmission while maintaining a lightweight chain with reduced wear and increased mobility, as the vertical chain link can automatically unkink and align with the pulling arrangement, overcoming self-locking and preventing kinking issues.
Implementation Method 1
The support path is inclined in the support path direction by at least 90°+arctan (μ) in relation to the direction of the leg longitudinal extension starting from the functional section, where μ is the coefficient of friction of the two chain links in the area of the support path
Implementation Method 2
the vertical chain link independently rotates away from the kink arrangement around the horizontal chain link so that the vertical chain link aligns with the direction of the inner width of the vertical chain link parallel to the direction of the width of the functional section
Data Source
AI summary
A chain having a horizontal chain link and a vertical chain link linked in the horizontal chain link. The chain links each having two legs and two opposite bows connecting the legs to one another, such that the links each form self-contained courses. The horizontal link has a functional section on at least one bow designed, on the one hand, in a blocking plane such that the functional section cannot plunge through the vertical link arranged in a first orientation relative to the horizontal link, and, on the other hand, with a width that is narrower than the inner width of the vertical link such that that functional section can plunge through the vertical link arranged in a second orientation relative to the horizontal link. The horizontal link has an inner support section in the inward-facing apex bow region and, on the functional section, provides an outer support path leading around the course of the horizontal link for supporting the vertical link.