Adjustable Roller Transport for Mixed Article Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices require part replacement when transporting different types of articles, leading to inefficiency and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a guide and a holding unit that includes two or more roller units with adjustable rollers, allowing for the switching of rollers to accommodate different article sizes without part changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transport wheels with fixed recesses are used, then articles can be transported reliably, but part replacement is required when article types change
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is made movable in the axial direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of which rollers contact the article. This enables the same physical structure to adapt to different article types by changing the position of the holding unit, thereby switching between different rollers (first rollers and second rollers) without replacing any parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed with multiple rollers of different diameters (first rollers with smaller diameter, second rollers with larger diameter) that can all be used by the same holding unit. This universal design allows a single holding unit to handle multiple article types by simply adjusting its position, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for different articles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple roller units with different diameters are used, then different article sizes can be accommodated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit's movability in the axial direction provides a simple mechanical means to switch between different roller units. This dynamic adjustment mechanism is straightforward and does not require complex control systems, motors, or sensors - it simply allows the holding unit to be positioned to contact different rollers as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller units are segmented into distinct first rollers and second rollers with different diameters, arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows the system to handle different article sizes by selecting appropriate roller units, while the modular arrangement keeps the overall structure organized and manageable despite the increased number of components.
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 the transport of multiple types of articles efficiently by adjusting roller positions, reducing the need for part replacement and enhancing flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The holding unit is configured to be movable in the axial direction. The holding unit moves in the axial direction to thereby switch the rollers abutting the article among the two or more rollers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a transport device that can transport two or more types of articles without necessarily requiring a change of parts. The transport device includes a guide extending in a transport direction of an article, and a holding unit configured to hold the article between the holding unit and the guide and to move in the transport direction. The holding unit includes two or more roller units. In each roller unit, two or more rollers, including a first roller and a second roller with a diameter larger than a diameter of the first roller, are aligned along an axial direction. The holding unit is movable in the axial direction. The holding unit is moved in the axial direction to thereby switch the rollers abutting the article among the two or more rollers.