Thrust Chain Sprocket Geometry for Low-Noise Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid chain machinery for moving large loads over long distances in limited spaces is inefficient in terms of energy usage, generates noise, and requires frequent maintenance, limiting its application in markets that prioritize low-noise and low-vibration operations.
Innovation Solution
A thrust chain device with an open thrust chain, a driving sprocket, and a housing portion, where the sprocket engages bilaterally with the chain using circular-involute surfaces, reducing mechanical stress and enhancing energy efficiency, and incorporating synthetic contact surfaces for low friction and wear, along with a connection portion that minimizes radial forces and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional rigid chain machinery is used to move large loads over long distances, then the load can be transported in limited spaces, but energy efficiency is poor and mechanical stress is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the chain links and sprocket engagement to optimize the line of action angle, keeping it between -10° and 10°. This parameter optimization ensures that the force transmission is nearly aligned with the direction of motion, minimizing energy loss and maximizing energy efficiency in rigid chain machinery.
2Length of moving object
If conventional thrust chain devices are used, then loads can be moved over significant distances, but noise and vibration are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the chain link design with distinct thrust portions and housing portions arranged at specific angles relative to the sprocket. This asymmetric configuration, combined with the optimized line of action, reduces lateral forces and improves balance, thereby minimizing noise and vibration during operation over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs circular-involute surfaces for the sprocket teeth engagement with the chain. This curved surface geometry ensures smooth rolling contact and gradual engagement, reducing impact forces and vibrations compared to sharp-edged or flat surfaces, thus lowering noise generation during long-distance operation.
3Power
If conventional chain engagement is used, then the sprocket can drive the thrust chain, but mechanical stress and wear are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses circular-involute surfaces for sprocket teeth that engage with the chain links. This curved contact geometry distributes the mechanical stress over a larger contact area and ensures smoother force transmission, reducing peak stresses and wear on individual contact points, thereby extending component life and reducing maintenance frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the line of action angle parameter to remain between -10° and 10° relative to the thrust portion direction. This parameter control ensures that forces are transmitted primarily in the direction of motion rather than laterally, reducing bending stresses and wear on chain links and sprocket teeth, thus improving reliability.
4Force
If the line of action angle is large, then the sprocket can engage the chain, but radial forces and lateral stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent严格控制 the line of action angle parameter to remain between -10° and 10° relative to the thrust portion direction. This parameter optimization ensures that the force vector from sprocket to chain is nearly aligned with the thrust direction, minimizing the radial and lateral force components that would otherwise cause increased stress on chain links and guides.
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 significantly reduces energy loss, mechanical stress, noise, and vibration, allowing for more efficient and low-maintenance operation, making it suitable for applications in environments where noise and vibration are critical, such as residential or office settings.
Implementation Method 1
a tooth meshing with the chain defines a line of action having an angle with the thrust portion of between −10° and 10°
Implementation Method 2
Said guide comprises contact surfaces made of synthetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust chain device that induces an open thrust chain with a thrust portion and a housing portion, a thrust chain guide on a thrust portion of the thrust chain, a driving sprocket provided with teeth interlocking with the thrust chain, and a storage space of the housing portion, is provided. The storage space is parallel to the thrust portion and located opposite the thrust portion, the driving sprocket interlocks bilaterally with the thrust chain in a symmetric manner on the side of the thrust portion and on the side of the housing portion, the chain includes a connection portion between the thrust portion and the housing portion, arranged at a distance from the sprocket, the driving sprocket is in contact with the thrust chain by surfaces in the shape of an involute of a circle, the surfaces belonging to the teeth, where one tooth meshes with the chain while defining a line of action having an angle with the thrust portion between −10° and 10°, and the guide includes contact surfaces in synthetic material.