Transport Carriage Coupling for Slip-Free Corner Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices with corner deflections, particularly those with vertically aligned linear transport sections, face issues with slip-free power transmission and precise positioning due to insufficient frictional connection between the carriage and drive units, especially in curved sections.
Innovation Solution
The transport device employs a coupling element that engages with the second drive unit in a form-fitting and positive locking manner, utilizing a toothed drive mechanism with a rotating gear or toothed belt to ensure slip-free power transmission and precise positioning, while being resiliently supported by springs to prevent unwanted slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frictional engagement is used between the drive unit and carriage in the corner deflection area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of slip-free power transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transport track is divided into two distinct transport sections: a first section with frictional engagement for normal operation and a second section with form-fitting engagement for corner deflections. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different engagement qualities are applied locally to different sections of the transport track. The first transport section uses frictional (non-positive) engagement suitable for linear motion, while the second transport section uses form-fitting (positive) engagement specifically where corner deflections occur, ensuring slip-free power transmission precisely where needed.
2Ease of operation
If frictional engagement is used between the drive unit and carriage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of carriage positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Form-fitting engagement is implemented specifically in the second transport section where corner deflections occur, ensuring precise carriage positioning and workpiece alignment. This localized precision mechanism maintains ease of operation in other sections while achieving the required positioning accuracy in critical areas.
3Reliability
If a second drive unit with form-fitting engagement is added for the second transport section, then the reliability of power transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with universal functionality to engage with both the first drive unit (frictional engagement) and the second drive unit (form-fitting engagement). This multi-functionality allows a single coupling element to operate reliably across different engagement types, reducing the overall device complexity despite having multiple drive units.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is segmented into distinct functional sections, each with appropriately optimized drive mechanisms. The second transport section is specifically equipped with form-fitting engagement only where corner deflections require reliable power transmission, rather than implementing it throughout the entire system, thus minimizing unnecessary complexity.
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
This solution enables slip-free vertical corner deflections and precise positioning of carriages between linear transport sections, ensuring reliable operation and accurate assembly station alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element is resiliently supported on the carriage by means of a first spring and a second spring
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element is designed to engage non-positively with the first drive means... due to the non-positive or frictional connection between the belt and the coupling element
Implementation Method 3
the coupling element is designed to engage positively with the second drive means... by means of positive locking, a slip-free power transmission between the drive means of the second drive unit and the coupling element is possible
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device for transporting objects along a transport track (16) comprising a rail (14) defining the transport track (16), at least one carriage (22) guided such that it can move on the rail (14), a coupling element (40) provided on the carriage (22) and via which the carriage (22) can be driven, a first drive unit (32) having a first drive means (34) for driving the carriage (22) along a first transport section (18) of the transport track (16) and a second drive (42) having a second drive means (44) for driving the carriage (22) along a second transport section (20) of the transport track (16). The coupling element (40) is designed to be frictionally engaged with the first drive means (34) in the region of the first transport section (18), and to be interlockingly engaged with the second drive means (44) in the region of the second transport section (20).