Universal Dog Chain Modular Link Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-floor conveying systems require chains with fixed drive dog configurations, limiting their versatility and necessitating large inventories of pre-assembled chains to meet specific customer needs, which delays delivery and increases manufacturing lead times.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Universal Dog Chain using universal inside block links with fillers and interchangeable pusher attachments allows for chains to be built in a single configuration, enabling easy assembly and customization at installation time, eliminating the need for fixed attachment features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains are manufactured with fixed drive dog configurations, then the chain can be durably assembled, but the chain cannot be easily reconfigured for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into separate modular components: universal inside block links, filler components, and pusher attachments. These segments can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations to create chains tailored to specific applications, resolving the contradiction between durability of fixed assembly and flexibility of reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The chain configuration transitions from a static, fixed design to a dynamic, adjustable system. Fillers can be removed and replaced with pusher attachments at desired intervals, allowing the chain to adapt its drive dog spacing and configuration based on operational requirements while maintaining the durability of the underlying universal link structure
2Ease of operation
If multiple chain configurations are pre-assembled and inventoried, then specific customer needs can be met, but inventory complexity and manufacturing lead times increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal inside block link design serves multiple functions and can be used in any chain configuration. By standardizing the base link and using interchangeable fillers and pusher attachments, the system eliminates the need to maintain separate inventories for different chain configurations, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining the ability to fulfill diverse customer orders
Solution Approach 2:
The universal chain components are pre-manufactured and stocked in a standardized configuration. When a customer order requires specific drive dog spacing or configuration, the appropriate fillers are removed and pusher attachments are installed at the desired intervals, allowing rapid customization without requiring pre-assembled variant inventories
Data Source
AI summary
Drive dog chains are assembled with alternating universal inside attachment links and outside sidebars and riveted pin connections. The universal inside attachment links have full size end sections and central sections of reduced height. Filler attachments are attached with machine screws to the central sections. Upper surfaces of the filler attachments are level with upper surfaces of the end sections and upper surfaces of the outside sidebars. Filler attachments are removed from selected ones of the center sections and replaced with pusher attachments secured at an end of each selected center section. A drive dog chain is manufactured and stored in uniform strands. Upon ordering, the pusher attachments replace the filler attachments at selected spacings on the chain.