Conveyor Belt Fastener Applicator for Single-Stroke Random Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor belt fastener securing tools, such as the apparatus disclosed in UK Patent No. 2 202 605 B, require sequential operation along the belt, limiting flexibility in starting position and handling fouled fasteners, and lack intuitive, single-stroke operation for secure fastener attachment.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a drive shaft-operated advancing assembly, anvil, pusher, and swiper, allowing for intuitive, single-stroke fastener securing at any location along the belt, with manual or motorized operation, and the ability to skip over fouled fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sequential apparatus is used to secure fasteners along the conveyor belt, then the fastener securing process can be automated, but the operator cannot start at any location along the belt and must process fasteners in a fixed sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator transforms the fixed sequential operation into a dynamic random-access system. The operator can position the applicator at any fastener location along the conveyor belt and secure fasteners in any desired sequence, combining automated fastener securing with operational flexibility. This is achieved through a manually positionable applicator that maintains automated fastener engagement and securing capabilities while allowing free movement to any starting position.
2Extent of automation
If a sequential apparatus processes multiple fasteners in a fixed sequence, then automation is achieved, but fouled fasteners cannot be easily skipped and interfere with processing subsequent fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator enables the operator to skip over fouled or problematic fasteners without disrupting the automated processing of subsequent fasteners. By allowing random access positioning, the operator can bypass troublesome areas and continue securing fasteners along the belt, improving ease of operation while maintaining automated processing capabilities for the remaining fasteners.
3Ease of operation
If the applicator performs all fastener securing operations at a single location, then the operation is simplified to a single stroke, but the applicator cannot move to different fastener locations
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator combines dynamic positioning capability with a simplified single-stroke operation. The operator can move the applicator to any fastener location along the conveyor belt, then perform the complete fastener securing operation in a single stroke without complex multi-step procedures at each position. This maintains ease of operation while achieving full adaptability to different fastener locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with one aspect, an applicator is provided for applying staple fasteners to an end of a conveyor belt. The applicator provides advancing, clenching, staple driving, and final set operations that are coordinated by a drive of the applicator. In one form, the drive includes a cam plate and the applicator includes a handle that may be pivoted to turn the cam plate through a range of motion. Turning of the cam plate causes cam followers received in cam paths of the cam plate to shift and operate the mechanisms of the applicator. A method of using an applicator to apply conveyor belt fasteners is also provided.