pic: Floating Zip Tie Chain Tensioner

[Joe G.]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Also another question, would teams buy this if they were available???

Yes, especially if offered in multiple sizes. We've had some issues with our homebuilt non-floating tensioners over the years, and never had enough money to spare for several McMaster-style tensioners.

[R.C.]

What sizes would you want? Currently we have:

1.25 x 2.5

[Joe G.]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

What sizes would you want? Currently we have:

1.25 x 2.5

I meant for different chain sizes. #25, #35.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by rocketperson44

I meant for different chain sizes. #25, #35.

They work for either one, just like mcmasters.

[JesseK]

This is a fantastic and simple idea! Now let's hope they don't ban zip ties... We would want #25 chains, but probably only 1.25" in length because we have some short chain runs to deal with from the transmissions.

Have you done any efficiency experiments, e.g. how much efficiency is lost due to these tensioners when compared other methods? Examples include autotensioning (sliding a wheel out like 254/968/etc), simple rotary tensioners that use delrin or similar plastics, or the old adjustable bolt/sprocket method.

If you find that there's more loss (due to increased contact surfact area) you could experiment with teflon or oil-impregnated plastic surfaces. Also, you could change the geometry in the channel itself to be curved convex rather than simply flat. This is how the secondary tensioners on Harley Davidson motorcycles work -- turn a bolt and a convex-curved piece of teflon raises against the chain to fine-tune the tension.

< edit >
Another thing you could do is create a working relationship with a company such as AndyMark or a local plastics mold company, who can mass-produce these for teams and give your team a % of the revenue. The upside to this is that it should be low-stress supplemental revenue for your team. The downside to this is that you miss producing and selling these yourselves, which opens up a whole new can of worms in opportunities for more people from your community to learn and participate in your program.

Food for thought.
< /edit >

[Cory]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Have you done any efficiency experiments, e.g. how much efficiency is lost due to these tensioners when compared other methods? Examples include autotensioning (sliding a wheel out like 254/968/etc), simple rotary tensioners that use delrin or similar plastics, or the old adjustable bolt/sprocket method.

I can't speak for specifically how much loss there is between different types, but the method of sliding the wheel is going to be by far the most efficient, as it's the only style of tensioning that does not touch the chain and add more friction to the system.