C-Profile Conveyor Frame Integrating Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems in logistics face issues such as increased size, non-optimal security, complexity, high installation costs, and poor aesthetics due to external cable supports and suspended ducts.

Innovation Solution

The conveyor system incorporates a chassis with parallel lanes, where at least one lane has a C-shaped profile with an opening to house electrical cables, eliminating the need for external supports and simplifying the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If external cable supports and suspended ducts are used, then cable routing is achieved, but system size increases and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidcable routing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable support function with the existing frame structure by utilizing the C-shaped profile's opening to house electrical cables directly within the frame members. This eliminates the need for separate external cable supports and suspended ducts, thereby reducing system size while maintaining cable routing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped frame profile serves multiple functions: structural support for the conveyor system and integrated cable housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external cable management components, reducing overall system volume while maintaining ease of manufacture for cable routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If suspended ducts are used for cable protection, then cable safety is improved, but system complexity and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable safetyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cable protection functionality into the frame structure itself through the C-shaped profile design. The enclosed space within the C-profile provides inherent cable protection without requiring separate suspended ducts, thereby maintaining cable safety while reducing installation complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If control boxes are positioned for safety, then operator security is improved, but accessibility and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator securityVSAvoidcontrol accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions control boxes on the external surface of the C-shaped frame profile, utilizing the external dimension for accessibility while the internal cable housing maintains safety. This spatial arrangement allows operators to easily access controls on the outside while cables remain protected within the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple support components and fastening means are used, then cable support stability is improved, but installation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable support stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates cable support functionality into the frame structure itself through the C-shaped profile design. The frame's inherent structure provides stable cable support without requiring multiple separate support components and fastening means, thereby maintaining stability while significantly reducing installation time and costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4072976B1Conveying system
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 FIVES INTRALOGISTICS SAS
  • EP4072976B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4072976B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP4072976B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns a conveying system (10) comprising a frame (20) having two parallel longitudinal members (30, 30') and means (40) for conveying loads arranged between the two longitudinal members (30, 30'), at least one longitudinal member (30) in the form of a profile element that is substantially C-shaped in cross-section, having an opening (O) towards the outside with respect to the conveying means (40). Said longitudinal member (30) is designed to carry, in the profile element, over all or part of its length, electrical cables (50) intended to supply power to and/or control said conveying system (10).