chain tensioner

[raposak]

Well since my homemade tensioner didn't quite work out too well, i'm left at redesigning it. I came across the following which looks very interested and could have the potential of working out very well. Check out the link and watch the video and let me know what you think.

http://www.renold.com/Products/TransmissionChainSprockets/Roll-Ring.asp

 

[r97]

Why not just use an idler sprocket like this?
http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=1-2410-15-B&catname=powerTrans

Or this one is nicer, although very expensive,
http://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=332

Also, looking at the pictures in your build thread it apears as though you might have put the tensioner on the wrong side. The idler should go on the out side of the chain (not between the two chains). The idler should also be placed on the chain that is slacked (when the engine sprocket rotates CCW the right side of the chain is pulled by the sprocket while the other is slack).

Hope that makes sense.

 

[raposak]

I appreciate the feedback. I can't put the tensioner on the outside, it would cause the chain to touch the other side. I need to find a self adjusting one. Either a torsion spring or other means so that it constantly adjusts depending on the tension at the time.

 

[raposak]

Ok well I just checked the chain again. If I remove the standard master link and replace it with one of those inside outside master links (if that makes any sense) i can actually shorten the chain by 1 link and then I can put the tensioner on the outside like its suppose to be. hmmmmmmmm must sit and stare at it for a while (thats how my thinking process works lol)

Thanks for getting my mind in gear.

 

[qtband]

You're talking about a half-link.
I watched that video. That's a cool tensioner if it would work on a kart. I didn't see how much. Did you check for a price?

 

[raposak]

From what i found, it looks like around $50. They mention that it can be used on motorcycles so I don't see why it wouldn't work on a kart. I just like the fact there is no mounting or adjusting anything. Pop it in and go. I'm going to do more reading on that thing.

 

[raposak]

Got this from their brochure. I sent an email with my specifics to see how much it will be.

Applications
Roll-Ring chain tensioners can be applied
in a wide variety of fields of mechanical
engineering. Roll-Rings have been reliably
operating in printing machines,
confectionary production lines, luggage
conveyor drives/transportation systems
at airports, cleaning and filling systems in
breweries, roller conveyors in aluminium
pressing plants, in chain drives on
vibratory plates in automatic sand
blasting machines, and in agricultural
machines with heavy duty chain drives.
*Roll-Rings have even been installed
successfully on Quad bikes/buggies.

 

[qtband]

Keep us updated. It looks so simple to use and if it works......

 

[theo]

I wonder how it works with different size sprockets?

 

[r97]

More chain tensioners, including that ring style,
http://www.mcmaster.com/#roller-chain-tensioners/=h8yv5s

Why not just get the idler from surplus center a put it on a spring loaded arm (can be fabricated from some flat bar, the idler sprocket, and a spring). Should cost less that $20.

 

[raposak]

I'd have to remake my mount. The chain goes from the engine down to the jackshaft. Its at a pretty steep angle so I'd have to build a mount that would hang down low enough to engage the chain. I'm just trying to go at it the easiest way. I already tried the skate board wheel and mount and that failed. I could care less about cost at this time as I don't really want to keep creating mounts in hopes that it might work. I may just try one of those floating ones from mcmaster that you posted.

 

[qtband]

As Theo states, will it work with 2 different size sprockets?

 

[raposak]

According to the site, yes it works. I don't know if it would work with say a 12t to a 72t but i don't have to worry about that since mine are both around the same size.

 

[cooperDG123]

As Theo states, will it work with 2 different size sprockets?

i think it will because you wedge it in

 

[mchlfranko]

i think it will because you wedge it in

Yep as long as you have decent contact on both sides it would stay in place because both side is being turned at the same rate.

I would advise against this product however. The problem here is that when you put that spacer in it pushes the chain out wards. When that happens you loose some surface area where the chain is touching the sprocket. The more surface area you have between the chain and sprocket, the more direct transfer of force will occur. When you put that guy in you're going to loose some of that force you could have had.

In my opinion, I would use a regular idler sprocket chain tensioner tighten that chain because it will most likely be cheaper and give your machine more performance.

 

[fowler]

it seems like a good idea for factory and stationary machines

but i dont see it working on a kart or buggy
i think that in paticular with the differant sized sprockets and the severe vibration it would keep spitting that thing out
dont forget that it will twist side to side as u throw the vehical around once it twists a little its off into the distance

an idler sprocket would be the most reliable
i just used a simple lever and two springs off an old trampolene

at least if u throw a chain u wont lose the tensioner in the sand or down the road somewhere