Cable-Actuated Conveyor Guiderail Adjustment Without Protruding Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guiderail adjustment systems for conveyors require manual adjustment of laterally extending guide rods, which increase the conveyor's width and footprint, and have an unappealing appearance due to protruding rods.
Innovation Solution
A cable actuator system with a capstan and tensioner mechanism that allows for automated or manual adjustment of guiderails, using a cable that extends or retracts along an endless path, minimizing the conveyor's width and eliminating the need for outwardly projecting rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional guide rods are used for guiderail adjustment, then the guiderails can be adjusted manually, but the overall width and footprint of the conveyor increases due to protruding rods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protruding guide rods from the external environment and integrates the adjustment mechanism within the conveyor structure. The cable actuator system is housed inside the conveyor frame, eliminating the need for external rods that increase footprint while maintaining adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable actuator mechanism is nested within the conveyor structure. The cable runs through the conveyor frame, and the actuator components are housed inside the existing structure, allowing the adjustment mechanism to be contained within the boundaries of the conveyor itself without adding external protrusions.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of guiderails is used, then the system structure can be simple, but the productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated cable actuator system. The actuator can be driven by motors or other automated mechanisms, allowing for automated adjustment of guiderails without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable actuator system is designed to automatically adjust the guiderail position based on operational requirements. The mechanism can be integrated with the conveyor control system to self-adjust without operator intervention, improving operational efficiency while keeping the device structure straightforward.
3Strength
If rigid guide rods are used for guiderail support, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to extended portions projecting from conveyor sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the visually problematic rigid guide rods that protrude from the conveyor sides and replaces them with a cable-based actuation system. The cable mechanism is contained within the conveyor structure, eliminating the unsightly extended portions while maintaining the necessary structural support and adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible cable instead of rigid rods for the actuation mechanism. The cable can be routed through the conveyor structure in a manner that is less visually intrusive, and the flexible nature of the cable allows it to be contained within the conveyor boundaries, improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining functional performance.
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 provides adjustable guiderails that accommodate various article sizes without increasing the conveyor's footprint, offering a sleeker design and efficient, customizable conveying paths.
Implementation Method 1
a capstan adapted to receive at least a portion of the cable and rotate to cause the cable to move along the endless path
Implementation Method 2
the driver comprises a worm gear
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a conveyor and a cable adapted to travel along an endless path to extend or retract a first adjustable guiderail for guiding one or more articles when being conveyed along the conveyor. A cable actuator adapted to move the cable along an endless path. The cable actuator may include a capstan adapted to receive at least a portion of the cable and rotate to cause the cable to move along the endless path, a tensioner adapted to tension the cable, or both the capstan and the tensioner. First and second adjustable guiderails may also be provided, along with a controller for controlling associated cable actuators. The controller may include a plurality of preset conditions, each corresponding to a width of an article to be conveyed or to a width of the conveying path between the first adjustable guiderail and the second adjustable guiderail.