double chain design

[wangp1283]

Hi,

I'm designing an unique chain transmission drive. It's unique because it uses 2 chains, rather than 1. Basically, one driving axis have driving sprocket A and B. Then one driven axis have driven sprocket A and B.

Then, a chain A will run between the driving sprocket A and the driven sprocket A. Chain B will run between the driving sprocket B and driven sprocket B.

You may ask why can't I just use one chain (a bigger, stronger chain). But I must use 2 independent chains. It's essential to the application.

My question would be if this will cause any problems or a lot of inefficiency. My worry is that since a chain drive have the "chordal effect" or the "polygon effect", which causes speed variations, the 2 chains will have different speed variations at a given time (they are not in sync),

what will happen? will the efficiency/smoothness suffer a lot?

Thanks.

 

[GregLocock]

No, you'll be fine. There will be a nasty bit of running in where the tightest of the two chains will take most of the load, but that will sort itself out.


If this is a high chain speed application there may be other problems.



Cheers

Greg Locock