VDI conference: Dr.-Ing. Jakob Küpferle talks about the technical advantages of high-performance rigid chain systems

“With chains, the focus is usually on tensile force. However, innovatively designed rigid chain systems also bear an enormous potential for pressure force transmission," explained Dr.-Ing. Jakob Küpferle in a presentation at the 11th VDI “Variable Gears 2022” conference. In his presentation entitled "Warum immer nur Zug?” (Why always just pull?), our Head of Engineering used the innovative features of the rigid chain system developed by Wippermann to show how drive concepts with roller chains can be implemented for demanding pushing applications. Dr. Küpferle: “Our basic idea was to combine the pressure force absorption of a lantern gear drive with the flexibility of a chain to develop a heavy-duty and yet very compact lifting system.”

Patented special chain and deflection for a lifting capacity of up to 2 tonnes

Rigid chain systems follow the principle of transmitting pressure force via interlocking components of a rigid-backed chain, while they can still be deflected and accommodated in a space-saving chain box thanks to their unilateral flexibility. Classic designs have side plates whose shoulders rest on each other when the chain is straight. At the VDI conference, Dr Küpferle explained the special features of the Marathon Lift, which have been further developed based on this principle: “We have provided our patented rigid chain with an innovative U-shaped outer plate, which has special recesses on all three support surfaces for interlocking during push operation. This results in a larger contact area compared to classic designs, and thanks to the interlocking in two different directional planes, the chain offers enormous stability even when shear forces occur.” Another patent relates to the device for deflecting the rigid chains. This guide has two deflection tracks with different courses, which leads to the deflection and force application being decoupled from each other and ensures extremely smooth and jerk-free running of the chain. The result: Depending on the design, the Marathon Lift can lift up to 2 tonnes evenly and safely.

Maintenance-free and reliable for a wide range of applications

The Marathon Lift is used, for example, in lift tables, lifting systems in the logistics sector or in event technology. What all application areas have in common is that the hoisting application can be operated as efficiently and reliably as possible with minor maintenance. Dr. Küpferle explained: “From our many years of experience as a supplier of high-performance chains for industrial applications, we know that freedom from maintenance is vital for cost-effectiveness in many areas of application. For this reason, we have installed our maintenance-free Marathon chains in the Marathon Lift.” In concrete terms: The system can run one million cycles without being relubricated.

The Marathon Lift is currently available in two sizes. Both models feature a remarkably compact design. With a height of 200 millimetres, the smaller ML1000 model is even suitable for applications with extremely limited installation space, for example hoisting applications in driverless transport systems.