Adjustable Conveying Device Dual Loop Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying systems that adjust holder spacing to accommodate different-sized articles require complex and multi-step processes, often disrupting the timing and pitch of the conveying device, making it inefficient and cumbersome to adjust.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable conveying device with a dual endless loop system and a clutch-based adjustment assembly that allows simultaneous movement of both loops in opposite directions, maintaining holder pairs' equidistance from the centerline, thereby adjusting spacing without altering pitch or timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the relative position of one endless loop conveyor and its holders is adjusted to accommodate different-sized boxes, then the spacing between holders can be changed, but the centerline of the articles changes and the timing must be changed to synchronize with the external system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanisms of both endless loops into a single integrated system. When one loop is adjusted, the other loop automatically adjusts in coordination through a shared adjustment mechanism, ensuring both loops move in unison and maintain proper timing synchronization without requiring separate adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centerline reference system as an intermediary that both loops reference during adjustment. This centerline acts as a mediator that ensures both loops maintain proper alignment and timing relationships, automatically compensating for adjustments and eliminating the need for manual timing synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the relative position of one endless loop conveyor is adjusted to change holder spacing, then different-sized boxes can be accommodated, but additional steps are required to jog both loops forward or backward to synchronize timing
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is designed to be self-synchronizing through the use of a shared centerline reference. When one loop is adjusted to accommodate different box sizes, the system automatically maintains timing synchronization between both loops without requiring operator intervention to jog or re-synchronize them, making the operation self-correcting and simplified.
Solution Approach 2:
The centerline reference system serves as an intermediary that automatically coordinates the positioning of both loops. This mediator ensures that timing synchronization is maintained automatically during adjustments, eliminating the need for manual jogging or re-synchronization steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holder spacing is adjusted by moving one endless loop, then the spacing between holders changes, but the timing of the conveying device must be changed to match the rest of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a centerline reference as an intermediary that automatically maintains timing relationships during spacing adjustments. This centerline mediator ensures that both loops remain synchronized with each other and with the external conveying system without requiring time-consuming manual timing adjustments, thus eliminating time loss during reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method of adjusting a spacing of holders located on first and second endless loop includes releasing a clutch to allow the endless loops to be adjusted and operating an adjustment assembly to simultaneously move the first endless loop a distance in a first direction and the second endless loop an equal distance in a second direction opposite the first direction. After the adjustment the timing and pitch of the center of articles gripped by the holders is unchanged relative to the system in which the device is located.