Cam-Driven Conveyor Stopper Without Pneumatic Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller conveyors require air supply for stoppers, necessitating airtight formation of air paths, which is inconvenient and potentially inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A stopper mechanism using a retractable unit with a cam mechanism to move a stop member in and out of the travel path, eliminating the need for air supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stopper including an air cylinder is used to stop objects on a roller conveyor, then the stopper can be disposed in the middle of rollers and operated at necessary timing, but supply of air is required to drive the cylinder and airtight formation of air path is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air cylinder) with a mechanical cam mechanism. The cam mechanism includes a cam member with a cam surface and a follower that converts rotational motion into linear motion of the stop member, eliminating the need for air supply lines and airtight formations while maintaining the ability to operate at necessary timing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the air cylinder and associated pneumatic components from the stopper mechanism. By eliminating the air supply system entirely and using only mechanical components (cam mechanism), the patent resolves the contradiction by removing the source of complexity while preserving operational flexibility
2Reliability
If air supply is required for the stopper mechanism, then the stopper can function, but airtight formation of air path is necessary which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the pneumatic actuation system with a purely mechanical cam-based actuation system. The cam mechanism provides reliable stop member actuation through direct mechanical contact between the cam surface and follower, eliminating air supply requirements and airtight formation needs while maintaining functional reliability
3Device complexity
If a cam mechanism is used to move the stop member in and out, then air supply is not required, but the cam mechanism structure must be designed
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-actuating, where the cam member's rotational motion automatically drives the follower and stop member without requiring external control systems or complex assembly. The geometry of the cam surface inherently provides the necessary motion control, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance
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
Provides a reliable and efficient stopping mechanism for objects on roller conveyors without the need for air supply, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable unit that moves the stop member in and out of the travel path by a cam mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A stopper according to the present invention stops an object moving along a travel path, and includes: a stop member for stopping the object; and a retractable unit that moves the stop member in and out of the travel path by a cam mechanism.