Belt Detachable End Connection Neutral Bending Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt end connections, such as those with helical wire elements and additional fastening layers, restrict permissible tensile loading and compromise running properties due to external clamps and fastening layers, which are not suitable for applications requiring high tensile forces and stretch resistance.
Innovation Solution
A belt with end connections formed from elongation-resistant materials, where the connection elements are integrated within the neutral bending plane, engaging finger-like with the tension layer, eliminating the need for external fastening and allowing continuous neutral bending, thereby enhancing tensile strength and running properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamps are arranged outside the neutral bending plane and fastened with additional fastening layers, then the connection strength is improved, but the running properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is merged with the tension layer to form a single integrated component that lies within the neutral bending plane. This eliminates the need for separate clamps and fastening layers arranged outside the neutral plane, thereby maintaining both connection strength and running properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is positioned within the neutral bending plane (a different spatial dimension) rather than outside it. This dimensional repositioning allows the connection to maintain strength while avoiding interference with the running properties that are compromised when clamps are placed outside the neutral plane.
2Ease of manufacture
If helical wire elements are used to connect end portions, then the connection is achieved, but the permissible tensile loading is heavily restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is formed as a composite structure combining a rigid core (for tensile strength) with embedded finger elements made of elongation-resistant material. This composite design enables the connection to withstand high tensile forces while maintaining ease of manufacture through integration with the tension layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is segmented into multiple finger elements that are embedded in the end portions. This segmentation distributes the tensile load across multiple contact points, significantly increasing the permissible tensile loading compared to a single helical wire element.
3Reliability
If additional fastening layers and clamps are used, then the connection is secured, but the constructional complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (connection, fastening, and structural support) are merged into a single integrated connection element that is formed in one piece with the tension layer. This eliminates the need for separate clamps, fastening layers, and other auxiliary components, thereby reducing constructional complexity while maintaining connection security.
4Ease of manufacture
If connection elements are arranged above or below the tension layer, then the connection is achieved, but the neutral bending plane continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is positioned within the neutral bending plane (changing the spatial dimension from above/below to within the plane). This allows the tension layer and connection element to form a continuous neutral bending plane, maintaining stability while achieving the connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt (1) comprises a tension layer (4), a first end portion (2) at a first longitudinal end, a second end portion (3) at a second longitudinal end, and an end connection for connecting the two end portions (2, 3). Here, the end connection comprises a first connection element (21), which is fastened to the first end portion (2), and a second connection element (31), which is fastened to the second end portion (3), wherein the first connection element (21) and the second connection element (31) are releasably interconnectable and are formed from an elongation-resistant material. The first connection element (21) and the second connection element (31) are each formed in one piece and, together with the tension layer (4), form a single neutral bending plane.