[FTC]: Folding Chain Mechanism

[jasonbrooks]

Hi,
I have been trying to conceptually figure this out, but I have been having much trouble. Does anyone know if it is possible to create a folding chain mechanism? Something where it would be two layers of a conveyor-belt type mechanism where one was intially folded over the other, then the expand to form one long mechanism?

It seems to be that this is impossible because if it was one long chain, then the tightness of the chain would have to be changed. And also, it seems impossible to me to make to seperate mechanisms that fold together and then work in unison.

Anyway, someone let me know about this. Thanks!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jason,
Try two chains. At the joint use a common shaft with a sprocket for each section of chain. Let the common shaft be the center of rotation for the joint and chain tension isn't a problem.

[jasonbrooks]

Hi Al,
Thanks for the reply! The issue I am having, though, is that something would be attached to the bottom chain. I don't think there is a way to transfer that attachment to the top chain, but please let me know if there is! If there isn't, anyway to go with one long folding chain?

Thanks!
Jason

[MrHance]

"Thanks for the reply! The issue I am having, though, is that something would be attached to the bottom chain. I don't think there is a way to transfer that attachment to the top chain, but please let me know if there is! If there isn't, anyway to go with one long folding chain?"
The question that I have is what would be attached to the bottom chain section and How would it be attached? This would be important to the design process on how to fold over the complete chain without interferring with the movement of the bottom section when either flat or folded. If you could provide a hand sketch of what your are trying to accomplish, maybe you can achive your goal with the help of others.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jason,
Are you using the chain as a pickup mechanism with the intention of depositing the picked item within the robot? If that is where you are headed, you can use two sprockets at the joint so that the top chain goes over one and the bottom goes over the other. You are limited to the rotation angle (<90) and you will need some variable method of chain tensioning but I think you can do it.