Adjustable Conveyor Path for Variable Product Dimensions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product transport devices are limited in their ability to handle products of variable dimensions without compromising sorting quality or device simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with an intermediate conveyor system that includes two cylinders and a control unit for quick length adjustment, an endless belt transmission with closed-loop trajectory, and a reciprocating drive mechanism, allowing for adaptable path lengths and reliable product handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed conveyor path design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot handle products of variable dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor path length is made dynamically adjustable through a telescopic intermediate conveyor system. The intermediate conveyor can extend and retract along the longitudinal axis, allowing the overall conveyor path length to adapt to different product dimensions while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is divided into three separate conveyors (upstream, intermediate, and downstream), with the intermediate conveyor being the adjustable segment. This segmentation allows the intermediate section to be modified independently to accommodate different product sizes without redesigning the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor path length is adjusted for different products, then adaptability improves, but the sorting quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit receives information about product dimensions and automatically adjusts the intermediate conveyor length accordingly. This closed-loop control system ensures that the conveyor path is optimized for each product type, maintaining consistent sorting quality across different product dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of conveyor path length based on product characteristics. By adjusting the intermediate conveyor extension, the system adapts the transport path to match different product sizes, ensuring consistent sorting performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is added to the conveyor, then adaptability increases, but the device simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment automatically based on product information input. The control unit manages the intermediate conveyor extension/retraction without requiring manual intervention, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators. This substitution eliminates complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Product transport device (1) comprising three conveyors called (2) upstream, (3) intermediate and (4) downstream, each conveyor (2, 3, 4) defining a path (23; 33; 43) for transporting the products. The roller (212) defining the exit end (232) of the path (23) of the upstream conveyor (2), the roller (411) defining the entry end (431) of the path (43) of the downstream conveyor (4) and the rollers (311, 312) defining respectively the entry end (331) and the exit end (332) of the path (33) of the intermediate conveyor (3) are carried by a common support (5) that can be driven back and forth. The rollers (212) and (311) form a first set, the rollers (312) and (411) form a second set, and said sets are movable in the direction of a coming together or a moving apart.