Actuated Conveyor Liftgate with Pivot Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liftgates in conveyor systems are heavy, difficult to operate, and pose safety risks due to potential unintended movement and falling.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an actuator mounted on the liftgate or conveyor system, which provides a linear force to raise the liftgate, combined with safety features to prevent unintended movement and falling, such as pivotable brackets and optional springs for biasing the liftgate open or closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual liftgates are used in conveyor systems, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the liftgates become heavy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that acts as a counterweight system to offset the weight of the liftgate. The spring is positioned to provide upward force on the liftgate assembly, reducing the effective weight that operators must overcome when opening or closing the liftgate manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure manual mechanical operation with a hybrid system that incorporates a motorized actuator. This actuator provides powered assistance to move the liftgate, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical assistance while maintaining the overall mechanical structure.
2Reliability
If traditional manual liftgates are used in conveyor systems, then the system remains simple, but safety risks increase due to potential unintended movement and falling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position and movement state of the liftgate. These sensors provide feedback to a control system that can detect unintended movement and trigger safety responses, such as activating brakes or alerting operators to potential hazards before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes safety mechanisms that take preliminary action to prevent accidents before they occur. This includes mechanical brakes that engage automatically if the liftgate shows signs of uncontrolled movement, and interlock systems that prevent operation when safety conditions are not met.
3Ease of operation
If actuated liftgates with safety features are implemented, then safety and ease of operation improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the actuator system to perform multiple functions: it can open and close the liftgate, hold it in position, provide powered assistance during operation, and work in conjunction with safety sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuator, spring mechanism, and safety systems into an integrated assembly. The actuator is mounted on the conveyor structure and works in conjunction with the liftgate frame, merging multiple functional elements into a coordinated system rather than separate independent components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The actuated liftgate is easier to operate and safer, reducing the risk of injury from accidental movement or falling, while allowing for efficient crossing of conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, wherein the actuator is affixed to the rear bracket and the front bracket, wherein the actuator is configured to provide a linear force acting between the rear bracket and the front bracket, wherein the linear force causes the proximal end of the liftgate portion to raise with respect to the conveyor section
Implementation Method 2
a rear bracket, wherein the rear bracket is pivotably affixed to the conveyor section
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to conveyor systems including liftgates. In some embodiments, a conveyor system including a liftgate comprises a conveyor section including a plurality of rollers, a liftgate section comprising a frame having a proximal end and a distal end and including sidewalls, a plurality of liftgate rollers positioned within the frame, a front bracket and a rear bracket, wherein the front bracket is positioned between the sidewalls toward the proximal end and the rear bracket is positioned toward the distal end, and wherein the rear bracket is pivotably affixed to the conveyor section, and an actuator affixed to the rear bracket and the front bracket configured to provide a linear force acting between the rear bracket and the front bracket, wherein the linear force causes the proximal end of the liftgate portion to raise with respect to the conveyor section.