Cable chains are essential in the semiconductor industry for preventing the twisting or sagging of moving cables. They can be broadly categorized into two types based on their fastening methods, with rivet-based assembly being the most common. An alternative method utilizes integral locking features without rivets, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces production costs. However, integral cable chains are more susceptible to breakage during assembly, limiting their use in various industrial environments.This study introduces a structural design approach aimed at minimizing localized stress during assembly while ensuring the cable chain meets the required retention force. Design variables were selected from the modifiable features of the integral cable chain. Through sensitivity analysis, we identified key variables that significantly influence the retention force, which allowed us to reduce the number of design iterations. By employing finite element analysis and response surface methodology, we derived an optimal shape that achieved the target pull-out force and resulted in a 9.7% reduction in assembly stress compared to the original design.

Failure of conventional snowplows is usually caused by the strain put it its rotational parts. In the case of the vertical rotation, when the snowplow is rising or falling, the sensor automatically stops the rotation and the wire could be break due to the impact from an endless drive in the reverse direction or conversely from the winding of the wire. While in motion, snowplows are frequently over turned due to their heavy weight. Snowplows are manufactured with conventional steel plates and have heavy hydraulic cylinders which makes them heavy. This can result in the damaging of the vehicle due to the mounted snowplow and its malfunctions. In this study, a composite resin blade with a high-strength and is lightweight was developed for a snowplow. In order to ensure durability of the snowplows, a new bobbin was designed to mimic the clutch of a vehicle. This study was developed to eliminate the tension and fatigue of the wire by winding the chain instead of the wire in the newly designed bobbin.

In order to help design engineers to adopt the Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), this paper develops a stepby-step method for tolerance design based on the function of the product and its parts. The procedure of this method consists of (1) analysis of functions using Key Characteristics (KC) and Datum Flow Chain (DFC), (2) selection of datum features, and (3) the selection of geometric tolerance types based on the functions. The rules and guidelines for the two latter steps are given and explained in detail, in order that the design engineer can understand the reasons for the rules and use them effectively. The method presented in this paper differs from other previous work, as it is based on the functions, whereas we note that previous work typically focuses on the automation of the tolerancing task without due consideration of functions. The paper also illustrates the developed method through two case studies: an axle-wheel assembly model and a simplified refrigerator model. This geometric tolerance design method is not complete yet in the coverage of various tolerances, e.g. size tolerances and profile, but may assist the beginning design engineer developing a mastery over GD&T.

This research analyzes bucket elevator roller chain pins by finite element (FE) analysis and static structural analysis for a lightweight pin design. The stress distribution of light weight roller chain pins under static load is analyzed for safety factors and damping effect. The results show that the stress distribution is higher on the plate than on the bush pin. In order to compare experimental and FE analysis results, a light weight design approach was used to produce a prototype base pin. Because the inner diameter of the pin was different, the impact damping effect was most appropriate when the inner diameter was 34.05 ㎜, and it is used as basic research data on the impact of the roller chain and sprocket.