Adjustable Conveyor Device for Cylindrical Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor devices for cylindrical parts lack flexibility and adaptability to convey different sizes and types of workpieces efficiently, often requiring significant modifications and complex mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor device with adjustable conveyor disks and a modular design featuring a base device, attachment part, and insert element that forms a conveying channel over 45° around the axis of rotation, utilizing friction and clamping forces to convey workpieces, with optional hose connections and a detent clutch for overload protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing conveyor devices are used to convey different sizes and types of workpieces, then the conveying function is maintained, but the device lacks flexibility and requires significant modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different workpiece sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of modifications required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor device is divided into a base unit and interchangeable attachment parts. The attachment parts can be swapped to adapt to different workpiece sizes and types, while the base unit remains unchanged. This segmentation allows flexible adaptation without modifying the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distance between the two conveyor disks is made adjustable, allowing the conveying channel dimensions to be dynamically adapted to different workpiece sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to handle various workpiece dimensions without structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed conveyor channels are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot be easily adapted to various workpiece sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various workpiece sizesVSAvoidsimplicity of device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base unit is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple types of attachment parts. Each attachment part is designed for specific workpiece size ranges, but all can be mounted on the same base unit. This multi-functionality approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying channel parameters (width, height, curvature) are made changeable through interchangeable attachment parts and adjustable disk spacing. This allows the device to adapt to different workpiece dimensions without changing the fundamental structure, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the conveying channel extends over more than 45° around the axis of rotation, then the conveying efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of conveying channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying channel is designed with a curved path that extends more than 45° around the axis of rotation of the conveyor disks. This curved configuration improves conveying efficiency by providing better workpiece control and smoother transport, while the curvature is achieved through the geometric design of the attachment parts rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables flexible and efficient conveyance of cylindrical workpieces by adjusting disk distance and selecting components, allowing for easy adaptation to various workpiece sizes without altering the basic device, ensuring reliable operation and preventing mechanical overloads.

Implementation Method 1

The conveying of the essentially cylindrical workpieces takes place in this channel by friction and/or clamping forces between the conveyor disks and the workpieces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4232382B1Conveyor device for cylindrical workpieces
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4232382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4232382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4232382B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a conveyor device for cylindrical workpieces, comprising a main device (2) that has two conveyor discs (9, 10) which can be driven together and the distance between which can be adjusted; an attachment part (12) that can be secured to the main device (2); and an insert element (20) that can be positioned between the main device (2) and the attachment part (12) such that a conveyor channel (19) for the cylindrical workpieces is formed by the conveyor discs (9, 10), the attachment part (12), and the insert element (20), said conveyor channel extending over more than 45° about the rotational axis of the conveyor discs (9, 10).