Ball Transfer Mechanism for Conveyor Direction Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer systems in industrial environments, such as conveyors, often have complex structures requiring specialized equipment, leading to inefficient and inconvenient operation.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system comprising a first and second belt assembly, each with a strip belt, active pulley, and motor-driven roller (MDR) driver, along with a plurality of balls disposed on a shared plane, allowing objects to be transferred between conveyors traveling in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional transfer systems use specialized auxiliary equipment (lifting mechanisms), then the transfer function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and operation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex specialized auxiliary equipment (lifting mechanisms) from the transfer system, retaining only the essential ball transfer mechanism that naturally achieves the transfer function through the interaction of balls with the conveyor belts at different directions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex lifting mechanisms to achieve transfer, the patent inverts the approach by using the natural rolling motion of balls and the directional difference between two conveyor belts to achieve the same transfer effect, thereby simplifying the structure
2Productivity
If traditional transfer systems use complicated structures, then the transfer function is achieved, but the operation becomes inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ball transfer mechanism operates automatically through the natural interaction between the balls and the two conveyor belts moving in different directions. The system self-regulates the transfer process without requiring complex control mechanisms or specialized auxiliary equipment, thereby improving productivity while maintaining simple structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If MDR power is increased to control ball rotation, then object transfer capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control where the MDR power levels are adjusted according to the specific transfer requirements. The system can operate with varying power levels depending on the desired transfer angle and load conditions, allowing adaptability while optimizing energy consumption by not always operating at maximum power
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 system enables efficient and convenient transfer of objects between conveyors by varying the power of the MDRs to control the rotation of the balls, allowing objects to be diverted at varying angles, thus simplifying the operation and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of balls is operably engaged with the first strip belt and configured to rotate in the first direction when the first driver drives the first active pulley
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, assemblies, and/or the like are provided. In some embodiments, a transfer system may include a first belt assembly having a first strip belt; a first active pulley, wherein the first active pulley is coupled to the first strip belt; a first driver, wherein the first driver is configured to drive the first active pulley in a first direction at a first power level, thereby driving the first strip belt; a second belt assembly having: a second strip belt; a second active pulley, wherein the second active pulley is coupled to the second strip belt; a second driver, wherein the second driver is configured to drive the second active pulley in a second direction at a second power level, thereby driving the second strip belt; and a plurality of balls comprising a shared diameter and disposed on or within a shared plane.