Adjustable Deflection Device for Conveyor Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor devices with fixed roller mounting in the deflection area face challenges of predetermined radius, noise due to segment collisions, and increased energy consumption from friction, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A deflection device with at least two deflection rollers and one guide roller guiding a non-driven belt circumferentially within the conveyor segments, allowing flexible adjustment and minimizing friction through resilient mounting and adjustable geometry, with a tensioning device to maintain belt tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed rollers are used for deflection, then the conveyor structure is simple, but the radius is predetermined and cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of deflection radiusVSAvoidcomplexity of roller mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the roller mounting structure adjustable rather than fixed. The rollers are mounted on adjustable supports that allow changing their position radially, enabling variable deflection radii. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized adjustable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the deflection radius to be varied through adjustment of roller positions. The mounting structure includes adjustable elements that change the geometric parameters of the deflection area, enabling the same device to operate with different radius values depending on the conveying requirements without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conveyor segments are guided in a fixed deflection area, then the guidance path is predetermined, but noise occurs due to segment collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise from segment collisionsVSAvoidflexibility of guidance path
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces noise by making the guidance path dynamic rather than fixed. The adjustable roller positions allow the deflection area to adapt to the actual movement of conveyor segments, smoothing out collisions and impacts that generate noise. The guidance system can dynamically adjust to maintain optimal segment spacing and reduce impact forces during deflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a friction-reducing coating on the rollers and mounting structures. This coating acts as a cushioning layer that reduces impact forces and noise when segments interact with the guidance system. The low-friction surface prepares the contact interfaces in advance to minimize harmful collisions and associated noise generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional mounting is used, then the structure is simple, but friction increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces high-friction mechanical contact with low-friction surfaces through specialized coatings on rollers and mounting structures. This substitution reduces the mechanical friction that converts kinetic energy into heat, thereby lowering energy consumption. The coating technology transforms the surface properties without fundamentally changing the mechanical mounting structure, maintaining simplicity while improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface friction parameter through application of low-friction coatings on contact surfaces. This parameter modification reduces the coefficient of friction between moving parts, directly lowering the energy required for operation. The coating approach allows maintaining the original structural design while fundamentally improving the tribological parameters to reduce energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adaptation, low-friction, and low-noise operation by preventing segment collisions and reducing energy consumption, ensuring smooth and efficient conveying line operation.

Implementation Method 1

the deflection rollers and/or guide rollers are resiliently mounted. As a result, lateral forces can be absorbed, which leads to smooth and smooth running of the conveying line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A receptacle for the circulating belt is preferably formed on the inside edge of the conveyor segments. This allows a frictional connection to be provided between the belt and the conveyor segments, which improves the quality of the guidance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2149511A3Switching device for a transport device
Publication Date: 2012.04.11 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP2149511A3 patent drawing
  • EP2149511A3 patent drawing

AI summary

The deflection device (1) has a rotating conveying line (2) formed from multiple conveying segments (3) that are movable with respect to each other. Two deflector rollers (6) and a guide roller (5) are provided in an inner deflection region of the conveying line. A non-driven belt (7) i.e. toothed belt, is circularly guided to the guide roller. The belt lies at an inner side of the conveying segments in the inner deflection region and is formed from a flexible material. The deflector rollers and the guide roller are adjustably designed for changing curve geometry of the deflection region.