Adjustable Nest Pitch Assembly for Stable Linear Motor Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems face challenges in achieving a compact part pitch while maintaining stability and ease of handling, particularly in linear motor systems where larger moving elements are required to withstand high forces, limiting the ability to reduce the distance between parts.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a pitch assembly that includes a mechanical linkage and rails, allowing nests to slide and adjust pitch between moving elements, using a single-sided scissors mechanism and pivot link for flexibility, enabling a 1:2 ratio of minimum to maximum pitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If larger moving elements are used in linear motor systems to withstand high forces, then stability and ease of handling are improved, but the pitch between parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the moving element into two separate components: a stable carrier element that maintains structural integrity and withstands forces, and a separate pitch-adjustable nest element that holds the parts. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently - the carrier provides stability while the nest pitch can be reduced without compromising the carrier's structural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The nest element is made dynamically adjustable through a mechanical linkage system that allows the pitch between nests to be changed while the carrier element maintains its stable configuration. The linkage mechanism enables the nest spacing to adapt to different requirements while the carrier remains structurally sound.
2Area of stationary object
If the pitch between parts is reduced to compact the conveyor system, then space requirements are reduced, but stability and ease of handling become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the carrier element from the nest element, the system allows the nest pitch to be reduced for compactness while the carrier element maintains its structural stability. The carrier element is designed with sufficient width and structural integrity to handle the reduced pitch configuration without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage acts as an intermediary between the carrier element and the nest element, allowing independent adjustment of nest pitch while maintaining the stability of the carrier. The linkage transmits motion and force while enabling the pitch adjustment function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical linkage is added to adjust pitch, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage provides dynamic adjustability of the nest pitch, allowing the system to adapt to different part configurations and conveyor requirements. The linkage enables continuous or discrete adjustment of pitch while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, maintains stability, and carries the adjustable nest element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite adding pitch adjustment capability.
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
The system achieves a flexible and stable adjustment of part pitch, accommodating various manufacturing needs by independently controlling moving elements, ensuring smooth operation and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor conveyor system. In a linear motor conveyor system, a moving element is controlled to move along a track by electromotive force
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor system configured to allow adjustment of part pitch by moving elements. The conveyor system including: a track; at least two moving elements configured to move on the track; and a pitch assembly mounted on the at least two moving elements, the pitch assembly including: at least one rail provided on at least one of the moving elements; a plurality of nests; and a mechanical linkage connected to the at least two moving elements; wherein the nests are slidably engaged with the rail to maintain linear motion and connected with the mechanical linkage such that, as the moving elements move closer together, the mechanical linkage contracts and slides the plurality of nests closer together for a reduced pitch, and, as the moving elements move apart from each other, the mechanical linkage extends and slides the plurality of nests apart for an increased pitch.