Adjustable Conveyor Roller Contact Length Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Converting machines require adjustable conveyor systems to accommodate different box formats, but existing solutions are not compact or reliable enough for easy integration into various workstations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with an adjustable contact length, supported by a plurality of rollers connected via a connection mechanism that allows equidistant displacement, ensuring all rollers remain in contact with the conveyor belt regardless of adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the contact length of the conveyor belt is adjusted to accommodate different box formats, then the adaptability of the converting machine is improved, but the complexity of the conveyor adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent roller frames that can be individually displaced along the conveyor belt. Each roller frame supports one or more rollers, and the group of roller frames can be collectively displaced by the displacement mechanism to adjust the contact length while maintaining structural organization through the connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller frames are made movable relative to the fixed frame along the direction of transportation, allowing dynamic adjustment of the contact length. The connection mechanism between roller frames enables coordinated movement while maintaining equidistant spacing, creating a dynamic yet controlled adjustment system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the contact length is modified by displacing roller frames, then the adaptability to different formats is improved, but the reliability of roller contact with the conveyor belt may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is pre-configured with pivotable connection links that maintain equidistant spacing between roller frames. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that when the displacement mechanism moves the roller frames, the rollers automatically remain in contact with the conveyor belt at the new position, preserving contact stability without requiring additional active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable connection links act as intermediaries between the displacement mechanism and the rollers. These connection links translate the linear displacement of the roller frames into coordinated movements that preserve the equidistant spacing and contact geometry, ensuring reliable roller-belt interaction throughout the adjustment range.
3Ease of operation
If a compact conveyor adjustment mechanism is implemented, then the ease of integration into workstations is improved, but the range of adjustable contact lengths may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The roller frames are arranged in a nested configuration where multiple roller frames can be positioned close together along the conveyor belt. The connection mechanism allows compact packaging of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining the ability to extend the contact length by displacing the roller frames apart, achieving both compactness and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the contact length by changing the positional parameter of the roller frames along the conveyor belt. The connection mechanism maintains equidistant spacing through geometric constraints, allowing continuous adjustment of the contact length parameter while keeping the mechanism compact and integrated into the workstation structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a conveyor system (30) for transporting blanks (2′) in a converting machine (1). The conveyor system comprises an endless first conveyor belt (32a) and a support structure (38). The support structure (38) comprising a plurality of rollers (56), each roller being attached to a roller frame (54) and arranged in a line, the roller frames being connected to each other by a connection mechanism (62). The connection mechanism (62) is extendable and retractable in the direction of transportation, such that a contact length (Lc) of the first conveyor belt is modified and all rollers remain in contact with the first conveyor belt.