Chain Conveyor Movable Roller Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chain conveyors experience increased energy consumption and frictional wear due to frictional resistance from accumulated articles, leading to potential slippage and reduced durability, especially when substances like edible oil intervene, causing slippage and wear on the chain and articles.
Innovation Solution
A chain conveyor design featuring links with movable rollers that can switch between retracted and protruding positions, supported by a pushing-up mechanism, which separates articles from the loading surface, reducing frictional contact and energy consumption by allowing articles to roll on the rollers instead of sliding on the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If articles are accumulated on the loading surface of the running chain, then the conveying function is achieved, but frictional resistance increases causing higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is designed to move dynamically between a retracted position (where it does not protrude above the loading surface) and a protruding position (where it supports accumulated articles). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its friction characteristics based on the accumulation state, reducing energy consumption while maintaining conveying functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary element between the loading surface and the accumulated articles. When protruding, it provides a rolling contact interface that reduces frictional resistance compared to direct sliding contact between articles and the loading surface, thereby reducing energy consumption.
2Productivity
If articles are accumulated on the loading surface, then conveying is achieved, but frictional wear of the chain and articles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller dynamically transitions between retracted and protruding positions based on accumulation needs. When articles are accumulated, the roller protrudes to provide rolling support, significantly reducing frictional wear on both the chain and articles compared to static sliding contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the sliding friction mechanism (articles sliding directly on the loading surface) with a rolling friction mechanism (articles rolling on the protruding roller). This substitution dramatically reduces frictional wear, improving reliability and extending the service life of both the chain and articles.
3Reliability
If the coefficient of friction between the loading surface and article is increased to prevent slippage, then conveying performance is improved, but frictional wear and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller provides dynamic friction adjustment: when retracted, the loading surface maintains higher friction for slip prevention; when protruding, the roller provides sufficient rolling friction for conveyance while minimizing wear and energy loss. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining conveying performance and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the friction parameter dynamically by switching between two contact mechanisms: sliding friction (high coefficient, used when roller is retracted for slip prevention) and rolling friction (low coefficient, used when roller is protruding for energy-efficient conveyance). This parameter change allows the system to optimize between conveying performance and energy consumption.
4Reliability
If a magnet is provided on the chain to make articles stick to the loading surface, then slippage is prevented, but frictional wear and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller provides a dynamic alternative to magnetic attachment. When protruding, it creates sufficient friction contact to prevent slippage during accumulation, and when retracted, it allows the chain to run with minimal friction. This dynamic mechanism achieves slip prevention without the continuous energy consumption associated with magnetic fields.
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 design reduces running resistance and energy consumption, minimizes frictional wear on the chain and articles, enhances durability, and prevents breakage by reducing friction between accumulated articles and the chain, while maintaining efficient conveying performance.
Implementation Method 1
the rollers are arranged at the protruding position when articles are accumulated by the stopper to support the articles, separating the articles from the loading surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A chain conveyor includes a chain constituted of a plurality of links foldably coupled by pins. The links include roller-equipped links each having a roller. The chain conveyor includes a pushing-up mechanism for pushing up each roller to a protruding position. At the protruding position, each roller protrudes upward above a loading surface of the chain, on which articles are loaded. Accumulated articles are supported by the rollers arranged at the protruding position so that the articles are separate from and above the loading surface.