Split-Pivot Power Transmission Chain for Diameter-Independent Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power transmission chains do not transmit drive efficiently due to mismatched diameters and tooth counts between drive members, leading to suboptimal engagement and reduced efficiency, increased wear, and noise.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission chain design featuring pivotally connected chain links with first and second pivots that maintain consistent positioning between the chain and drive member, regardless of diameter, utilizing engaging formations between the pivot ends for maximum efficiency and reduced friction, and incorporating contact and restriction sections to prevent collapse and optimize tooth engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a known power transmission chain is used with drive members of different diameters, then the chain can pass around both drive members, but the engaging formations and teeth are not in optimum engagement leading to reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arrangements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the chain to dynamically adjust its geometry. The pivots can rotate relative to each other, enabling the chain to adapt its shape to match different drive member diameters while maintaining optimal engagement between engaging formations and teeth throughout the transmission path
Solution Approach 2:
The chain geometry parameters are made variable through the movable pivot arrangements. By allowing the pivots to rotate and adjust their positions, the chain can change its effective radius and engagement angle to match different drive member sizes, thereby maintaining optimal drive transfer efficiency across varying diameters
2Ease of operation
If the chain links are pivotally connected by pivots extending completely across the chain links, then the chain can flex around drive members, but the engaging formations cannot be positioned optimally for maximum efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into discrete links connected by pivot arrangements, with each link containing engaging formations positioned between the pivots. This segmentation allows the chain to flex at the pivot points while maintaining rigid engaging formations that can be optimally positioned for drive engagement, separating the flexibility function from the engagement function
Solution Approach 2:
The pivots are positioned at different locations within the chain link structure rather than extending completely across, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where the engaging formations can be positioned in an optimal location for drive engagement while the pivots provide flexibility in a different spatial dimension
3Power
If the chain is designed for high torque applications, then power transmission capability increases, but wear and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable pivot arrangements convert what would normally be sources of wear and noise into beneficial adaptive features. The pivots' ability to rotate and adjust eliminates binding and misalignment that cause wear and noise, while the optimal positioning of engaging formations ensures smooth power transmission even in high torque applications
Data Source
AI summary
A power transmission chain (2) for use with a drive member (4) having a plurality of teeth (6), and wherein: (i) the power transmission chain (2) comprises a plurality of chain links (8) which are pivotally connected together by connecting members (9) and pivot arrangements (10) so that the power transmission chain (2) can pass around the drive member (4) in use; (ii) each one of the pivot arrangements (10) comprises first and second pivots (12, 14) which extend towards each other from opposite sides (16, 18) of the chain links (8); (iii) the first and second pivots (12, 14) have adjacent ends (20, 22) which face each other and which are spaced apart; (iv) the power transmission chain (2) comprises a plurality of engaging formations (24) for enabling engagement with the drive member (4); (v) the engaging formations (24) are positioned between the adjacent ends (20, 22) of the first and second pivots (12, 14); and the engaging formations (24) and the spacing apart of the adjacent ends (20, 22) of the first and second pivots (12, 14) cause the power transmission chain (2) in use always to be positioned on the drive member (4) for maximum efficiency of drive transfer between the drive member (4) and the power transmission chain (2), and irrespective of the diameter of the drive member (4).