Angled Tooth Conveyor Belt for Absorbent Article Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum conveyors used in high-speed manufacturing of absorbent articles face issues such as excessive noise, misalignment, mistrack, and premature belt failure due to straight teeth profiles, which complicate precision alignment and increase operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a belt featuring angled teeth on both surfaces, driven by a transmission mechanism with rotating gear members, allows for precise alignment and reduced noise by restricting cross-directional movement, thereby maintaining belt alignment and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If straight teeth are used in vacuum conveyor belts, then the belt can be driven at high speeds, but noise levels become excessive and require sound insulation structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gear teeth from straight profiles to angled profiles. This parameter modification reduces the impact shock and vibration during tooth engagement, thereby lowering noise levels while maintaining high-speed operation capability
2Speed
If straight teeth are used in vacuum conveyor belts, then high-speed operation is possible, but belt alignment precision deteriorates due to mistrack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the tooth geometry parameter by introducing an angle to the gear teeth. This angular configuration provides better lateral stability and tracking characteristics, preventing belt mistrack and maintaining alignment precision during high-speed operation
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple rows of angled teeth are used on the belt, then noise levels are reduced, but excessive forces act internal to the belt causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing angled teeth only at specific locations (edges or selected positions) on the belt rather than uniformly across all rows. This localized application reduces noise through angled tooth engagement while minimizing the cumulative internal forces that would otherwise cause belt failure
4Manufacturing precision
If precision machining operations are performed to minimize belt mistrack, then alignment is improved, but capital cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental geometric parameter of the gear teeth to an angled profile. This design modification inherently improves belt tracking and alignment characteristics, reducing the need for precision machining operations and complex adjustment mechanisms
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 solution significantly reduces noise levels and improves belt alignment and longevity, allowing for more precise control and efficient operation at high manufacturing speeds.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum conveyors may comprise a belt having a plurality of apertures aligned with slots in a deck. The slots may be fluidly connected with a vacuum source that allows air to be drawn in through the apertures, which in turn, helps hold the article in contact with the belt while being conveyed
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for conveying absorbent articles may utilize a conveyor including a vacuum source in fluid connection with a deck. The deck may include a channel. The conveyor may include a belt having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an aperture. The second surface of the belt may be in facing relationship with the deck such that the aperture is aligned with the channel. A first row of angled teeth and a second row of angled teeth may be connected with the second surface of the belt. The first row of angled teeth and the second row of angled teeth mesh with a first gear member and a second gear member, respectively. The first and second gear members may be attached to an axle member such that the first gear member and the second gear member rotate with the axle member to advance the belt.