Adjustable Tailgate Chain Connector for Consistent Opening Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate chain linkages face challenges with high variability in chain length and tolerance stack-ups, leading to inconsistent tailgate opening speeds and adaptability issues with machine parameters.
Innovation Solution
A chain connector with a pair of flanges and a web, featuring aligned apertures for adjustable coupling to an attachment plate and chain, allowing for fine-tuning of the tailgate chain linkage length without adding or removing chain links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional chain linkages are used with fixed chain lengths, then the structure is simple, but the tailgate opening speed becomes inconsistent due to variability in chain length and tolerance stack-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector incorporates multiple pairs of apertures arranged at different positions, allowing the effective length of the chain linkage to be dynamically adjusted by selecting different aperture pairs. This dynamic adjustability compensates for chain length variability and tolerance stack-ups, ensuring consistent tailgate opening speed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of chain linkage length by providing multiple pairs of apertures at different positions on the chain connector. By selecting different aperture pairs, the effective length can be adjusted to compensate for manufacturing variations, thereby improving tailgate opening speed consistency without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chain links are added or removed to adjust chain length, then the chain length can be adapted, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector is segmented with multiple pairs of apertures at different positions, allowing the effective length to be adjusted by simply selecting different aperture pairs rather than adding or removing entire chain links. This segmentation approach enables quick length adjustment without time-consuming assembly or disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain connector acts as an intermediary component between the chain and the attachment plate. By incorporating multiple pairs of apertures in the connector, it mediates the length adjustment function, allowing effective length changes without requiring modification of the chain itself, thus saving time and simplifying the adjustment process.
3Strength
If a robust chain connector is used to maintain stability, then the linkage becomes stronger, but the out-of-plane loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chain connector design incorporates local quality variations through the strategic placement of multiple pairs of apertures and the specific geometry of the web connecting the flanges. This local optimization allows the connector to maintain strength where needed while reducing out-of-plane loading through carefully designed aperture positions and web thickness variations, achieving both strength and reduced harmful loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A chain connector for use with a tailgate chain linkage of a machine. The chain connector comprises a first flange, a second flange and a web. The chain connector provided with a first pair of apertures for coupling the chain connector to the machine, and a plurality of second pairs of apertures for coupling the chain connector to a chain. An effective length of the tailgate chain linkage may be adjusted by coupling the chain with a selected second pair of apertures since the plurality of second pairs of apertures are disposed at a plurality of distances from the first pair of apertures.