Alternating Belt Transfer Device for Continuous Object Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transferring objects from an accumulation surface to a downstream conveyor often require the downstream conveyor to be stopped, resulting in gaps in the output flow that need to be filled by additional devices, disrupting the continuous flow of objects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first and second moving belt, a stationary surface, and a push means that transfers objects from the accumulation surface to the belts and the stationary surface, allowing continuous transfer without stopping the downstream conveyor, using a push means with two vertical walls and a U-shaped design to support and align objects for stable transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single moving belt is used to transfer objects from accumulation surface to downstream conveyor, then the transfer mechanism is simple, but the downstream conveyor must be stopped causing gaps in object flow
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is divided into two separate moving belts (first and second moving belts) that operate independently. The first moving belt transfers objects during the second belt's return stroke, and vice versa. This segmentation allows continuous transfer without stopping the downstream conveyor, resolving the contradiction between simple mechanism design and continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two moving belts are configured to operate in alternating cycles, ensuring that while one belt is transferring objects to the downstream conveyor, the other belt is returning to its starting position. This continuous alternating action eliminates idle time and maintains uninterrupted object flow, solving the productivity issue while keeping each individual belt mechanism relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If push means transfers objects to a single moving belt, then the transfer structure is simple, but objects may fall or stagger during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer structure divides objects into two separate rows, with each row transferred by dedicated push means to separate moving belts. This segmentation prevents objects from interfering with each other during transfer, reducing staggering and falling risks while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A stationary surface acts as an intermediary transfer zone between the accumulation surface and the moving belts. Objects are first pushed onto the stationary surface, then transferred to the moving belts. This intermediary surface provides stable support during the transfer process, enhancing object reliability without significantly complicating the structure.
3Reliability
If downstream conveyor is stopped to prevent object falling, then object safety is improved, but gaps are created in the output flow requiring additional gap-filling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream conveyor operates continuously without stopping because the two moving belts provide uninterrupted object supply. While one belt is transferring objects, the other is returning, ensuring constant flow to the downstream conveyor. This eliminates the need for gap-filling devices and maintains both object safety and flow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Objects are pushed onto the moving belts in advance with sufficient spacing and alignment, ensuring they are securely positioned before the belts begin movement. This preliminary positioning prevents objects from falling during transfer, maintaining safety without requiring the downstream conveyor to stop or additional gap-filling devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for transferring objects from an accumulation surface to a downstream conveyor, including a first mobile strip, a second mobile strip arranged beyond the first mobile strip from the accumulation surface, a fixed surface arranged between the two mobile strips, and a element for transferring objects from the accumulation surface to the first and second mobile strips, and to the fixed surface. Also disclosed is a transfer method using such transfer device.