Belt Conveyor Rollers and Driving Portions for Item Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems struggle to separate conveying items with non-flat bases, such as shrink-wrapped products, without relying on camera systems and complex control algorithms, and require high control effort.
Innovation Solution
A belt conveyor system with a conveyor belt comprising links that include freewheeling rollers and driving portions, where the driving portions have a higher coefficient of friction than the freewheeling rollers, allowing for mechanical separation of conveying items by positioning these links to drive items apart without the need for cameras or additional actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera systems and complex control algorithms are used to separate conveying items, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems (cameras) and complex control algorithms with a purely mechanical separation mechanism. The conveyor belt incorporates alternating friction zones and low-friction roller zones that mechanically push conveying items apart based on their base characteristics, eliminating the need for electronic sensing and control systems while achieving reliable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter along the conveyor belt surface by alternating between high-friction zones (driving portions) and low-friction zones (freewheeling rollers). This parameter variation creates mechanical separation forces that adapt to different conveying item base characteristics, achieving separation precision without electronic control systems.
2Measurement precision
If camera systems are used for product recognition, then separation precision is improved, but control effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for camera-based product recognition and control algorithms by using a passive mechanical system. The alternating friction and low-friction zones automatically respond to the physical characteristics of conveying items (flat vs. non-flat bases), performing separation without electronic sensing or complex control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system performs separation autonomously based on the inherent physical properties of the conveying items. The friction zones and roller zones self-adjust their interaction with items having different base characteristics, eliminating the need for external control effort or product recognition systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional conveyor systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different product characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt incorporates localized variations in friction characteristics along its length, with alternating high-friction driving portions and low-friction roller portions. This local quality variation enables the single conveyor belt structure to handle multiple product types (flat-based and non-flat-based items) simultaneously, achieving adaptability without complex mechanical configurations.
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 effectively separates conveying items with varying bases mechanically, reducing control effort and eliminating the need for camera systems, while maintaining consistent item spacing throughout the transport process.
Implementation Method 1
a (in the transport direction) freewheeling roller having a (conveying-item specific) first coefficient of friction, wherein contact areas (point, line, or surface area) between the freewheeling rollers and the conveying items define a (substantially flat) transport surface on which the conveying items to be transported rest during transport
Implementation Method 2
at least one second link having a driving portion arranged in the transport surface and having a second coefficient of (static and/or dynamic) friction greater than the first coefficient of friction, wherein each of the second links is positioned in relation to the conveyor belt such that the first and second conveying items are driven, in particular only, by the respective driving portion in the predetermined transport distance
Data Source
AI summary
A belt conveyor for generating a predetermined transport distance between a first item and a second item. The conveyor includes a conveyor belt configured for endless circulation, wherein links include a plurality of first links each of which include one freewheeling roller having a first coefficient of friction. Contact areas between the freewheeling rollers and the items define a transport surface on which the items rest during transport. The links further have at least one second link that has a driving portion, which is arranged in the transport surface and has a second coefficient of friction. Each of the second links is positioned in relation to the conveyor such that the first and second items are driven by the respective driving portion while the conveyor is moved under the first and second items and while bottom sides of the first and second items are in contact with the moving belt.