Adjustable Transfer Mechanism for Power and Free Conveyor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power and free conveyor systems face variability and unpredictability in transfer zones, leading to issues like trolley jams and incompletions due to fixed transfer points, necessitating manual intervention or adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable transfer mechanism is introduced, allowing for positional adjustment of power tracks relative to each other and the free track, enabling precise control of the drop-off and pick-up points through telescoping sections and automated or manual adjustment mechanisms to optimize trolley transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed transfer points are used in power and free conveyor systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the transfer zone exhibits high variability and unpredictability leading to jams and incompletions
Solution Approach 1:
The power track is designed with adjustable sections that allow the transfer points (divergence and convergence points) to be dynamically repositioned along the conveyor path. This enables the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and tune the handoff parameters, transforming a static fixed-point system into a dynamic adjustable one that maintains reliable transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing key parameters of the transfer zone by adjusting the position of the power track sections. Specifically, the divergence point where the first power track separates from the conveyor path and the convergence point where the second power track rejoins can be repositioned, thereby modifying the transfer characteristics to eliminate jams and incompletions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permanent installation of power tracks is used, then installation is straightforward, but there is no opportunity to tune or adjust the handoff between power tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The power track is divided into multiple sections, with at least one section being adjustable relative to the others. This segmentation allows the transfer zone parameters to be tuned independently while maintaining the overall structural integrity and relatively simple installation of the conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sections enable the system to transition from a permanent fixed installation to a tunable configuration. The divergence and convergence points can be repositioned along the conveyor path to optimize handoff performance, providing adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
3Productivity
If manual intervention is used to monitor and urge trolleys through transfer zones, then transfer reliability can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to manual labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable transfer mechanism enables the conveyor system to self-regulate and optimize its own operation. By allowing tuning of the transfer zone parameters, the system can automatically achieve reliable handoffs without requiring external manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ability to adjust and tune the handoff parameters creates a feedback mechanism where transfer performance can be monitored and optimized. This allows the system to automatically correct issues that would otherwise require manual intervention, enhancing both productivity and automated reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable transfer mechanism for a power and free conveyor system includes a free track defining a conveyor path. A first power track defines a first drive path for a first drive member of the first power track to drive a trolley. The first power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path up to a divergence point where the first power track diverges from the conveyor path. A second power track defines a second drive path for a second drive member of the second power track to drive the trolley. The second power track is positioned to extend along the conveyor path from a convergence point downstream of the divergence point so that the second drive member can pick up the trolley dropped off by the first power track. At least one of the divergence and convergence points is adjustable along the conveyor path.