Articulating Flat Belt Support System for Non-Coplanar Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat belt support systems struggle to divert objects laterally and maintain proper tracking when the entrance and exit velocity planes are non-coplanar and non-parallel, which is essential for applications like material handling in the corrugated box production where separating smaller boxes is crucial to prevent interleaving and improve stack integrity.
Innovation Solution
A support system configured with articulating rollers and pulleys that allow the centerline of the belt path to be non-coplanar and non-parallel, enabling lateral shifting of objects by adjusting the relative spacing and skew of the belts, ensuring proper tracking and separation of objects during conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entrance and exit velocity planes are kept coplanar and parallel, then the belt path is stable and easy to control, but the system cannot achieve lateral diversion of objects which is required for separation applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic articulation mechanisms that allow the support system to transition between fixed coplanar configurations (for stable tracking) and articulated non-coplanar configurations (for lateral diversion). The articulating members enable the exit velocity plane to be selectively positioned at angles relative to the entrance velocity plane, providing both stability and adaptability throughout the operational cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces angular dimensionality by articulating the exit velocity plane out of the coplanar arrangement with the entrance velocity plane. This creates a three-dimensional belt path configuration where the belt can be diverted laterally while maintaining proper tracking, effectively adding a rotational degree of freedom to the traditionally two-dimensional belt system
2Productivity
If multiple flat belts are used to convey objects, then the conveying capacity increases, but the complexity of independently articulating each belt path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal articulation mechanism that can be applied to multiple belts simultaneously. The support system incorporates articulated members that can independently position each belt's exit velocity plane while sharing common structural elements and control principles, reducing the overall complexity compared to completely independent articulation systems for each belt
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple articulation functions into a coordinated system where adjacent belts share common support structures and articulation points. This allows multiple belts to be articulated in a coordinated manner, reducing the number of independent components needed while maintaining the ability to independently control each belt path's lateral position
3Adaptability or versatility
If the belt path is articulated to non-coplanar positions for lateral separation, then object diversion capability improves, but the difficulty of maintaining proper belt tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tracking control mechanisms that monitor belt position and adjust the articulation of support members to maintain proper belt alignment. The system detects belt deviation from the intended path and provides corrective articulation movements, enabling the belt to successfully navigate non-coplanar transitions while maintaining stable tracking throughout the diversion process
Data Source
AI summary
A flat belt support system with a drive roller and paired pulleys, each pair carrying a continuous flat belt that can be moved laterally along the drive roller axis and angled away from the plane normal to the drive roller axis. Multiple belts, each carried by a pair of pulleys, can be driven by a single drive roller. An additional roller allows the drive roller to be positioned so that it contacts the flat belt cover, rather than the back of the flat belt, improving friction between the drive roller and the flat belt.