Articulated Connecting Device for Conveyor Trolley Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor systems with trolleys connected to drive chains face alignment and position changes due to the polygon effect, leading to complex and costly connecting devices, especially in curves and inclined sections, which result in increased friction losses and reduced system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with a pivot lever, chain attachment, and articulated connection providing three rotational degrees of freedom between the pivot lever and chain attachment, allowing for flexible alignment and absorption of relative movements between the trolley and drive chain, thus simplifying assembly and reducing friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex constructions with many connecting elements and joints are used to allow position and alignment changes between trolley and drive chain, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and alignment adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of connecting elements and joints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into three functional segments: the pivot lever connected to the trolley, the chain attachment connected to the drive chain, and the articulated connection joining them. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing the needed adaptability with minimal parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated connection provides three rotational degrees of freedom, making the connecting device dynamic rather than rigid. This allows the device to automatically adapt to position and alignment changes between the trolley and drive chain without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex constructions with many connecting elements and joints are used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and alignment adjustment capabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into three functional segments: the pivot lever connected to the trolley, the chain attachment connected to the drive chain, and the articulated connection joining them. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing the needed adaptability with minimal parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into the single articulated connection component, which simultaneously provides three rotational degrees of freedom to accommodate position changes, alignment changes, and maintains stable connection. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate adjusting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used between trolley and drive chain, then structural stability is improved, but friction losses increase due to polygon effect in curves and inclined sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidfriction losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated connection provides three rotational degrees of freedom, making the connecting device dynamic rather than rigid. This allows the device to automatically adapt to position and alignment changes between the trolley and drive chain without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device changes its orientation parameters (three rotational angles) in response to the polygon effect and relative position changes. By dynamically adjusting these angular parameters, the device maintains stable connection while reducing friction and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a stable, easy-to-assemble, and cost-effective connection that enhances smoothness, reduces drive torque, and improves the service life of the conveyor system by allowing for flexible alignment and movement compensation.

Implementation Method 1

the articulated connection has three rotational degrees of freedom between the pivot lever and the chain attachment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDegrees of freedom (rotational movement):

Data Source

PatentEP3283411B1Connecting device, conveying carriage and conveying installation

Publication Date: 2020.09.02 INTERROLL HLDG

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a connecting device (2-2''''') for connecting a conveying carriage (1-1''''') to a drive chain (4), having: – a pivot lever (6-6''''') which is pivotably connected to the conveying carriage (1-1'''''); – a chain fastening (8-8''''') which is connectable to the drive chain (4); and – an articulated connection (10-10''''') which connects the pivot lever (6-6''''') and the chain fastening (8-8'''''); wherein the articulated connection (10-10''''') has three degrees of rotational freedom between the pivot lever (6-6''''') and the chain fastening (8-8''''').