Chain and Sprocket Mechanism
Whether it is an automobile driving across town or a manufacturing plant producing products, many of the world’s greatest inventions and feats are feasible because of mechanical motion and power transmission that is provided by chain and sprocket technology. With chain and sprocket assemblies, rotational mechanical motion can be harnessed to produce many different functions and serve various applications.
What is a Sprocket?
A sprocket is a wheel that features teeth that encompass the circumference of the component, and these teeth are designed to mesh with a correlating chain or track. While the sprocket may be compared to a pulley, they differ in the fact that sprockets have teeth rather than a smooth profile. With the teeth of the sprocket, components such as chains may be pulled in a way to transform rotary motion into linear motion, or to transmit rotational motion between two shafts. Sprockets are most commonly used for bicycles, cars, motorcycles, and machinery. If a sprocket is used for an application in which slippage cannot be allowed, a sprocket chain is used.
What is a Chain Drive?
A chain drive is a method of transmitting mechanical power between locations, and they are most often found in vehicles such as bicycles, as well as industrial machinery. More often than not, a roller chain is paired alongside sprockets to link the holes of the chain with the teeth of the sprocket. As they are paired together, the sprocket is able to pull the chain with its teeth, aiding in the transfer of power throughout the assembly. With this generated power, many functions can be achieved such as lifting and dragging items, or to rotate a wheel such as is the case with bicycles.
Sprocket chains and chain drives have a long history, the earliest known use dating back to the Polybolos in which chain drives were used to operate the weapon to launch arrows. The first continuous chain drive and sprocket chain application then came later during the Song Dynasty of China during the years of 1020 to 1101 AD where a chain drive was used to operate an astronomical clock tower.
In modern times, chain drives and sprocket chains are primarily used for transmitting power for uses such as industrial processes. As compared to similar assemblies, such as belt drives, chain technology does not face problems of slippage. Despite this, chain drive technology may only transfer power over smaller distances, such as 3 to 8 meters. Chain drives may also be used to transport materials, as such assemblies may move, push, pull, carry, and slide components and items across an area with the use of meshes, frames, and other hardware. Chain drives also tout the ability to maintain a constant velocity, making them more consistent, highly efficient, and very reliable for certain applications. Chain drives may also provide for easy installation and low maintenance cost, furthering their benefits and use for a variety of industrial and vehicle applications.
When it comes time to begin sourcing the chain drive and sprocket chain components that you need for your next project or operation, AOG Purchasing has you covered with everything you are searching for. AOG Purchasing is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aircraft, marine, and IT parts parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA 0056B accredited and AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aogpurchasing.com or call us at +1-503-374-0340
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