Chain Conveyor Drive Teeth With Curved Side Surfaces to Reduce Jerking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain conveyors face issues with their drive units, particularly regarding jerking and torque, which affect the reliability and durability of the conveying process.
Innovation Solution
A caterpillar-type drive unit with drive teeth having curved surfaces on the side surfaces, transmitting forces via the central axis of the chain pins, eliminating torque and jerking, and allowing for a shorter chain pitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If drive surfaces are placed on top of the drive teeth, then driving force transmission is achieved, but torque is generated causing jerking of the drive chain and conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The drive surfaces are inverted from the conventional top surface location to the side surfaces of the drive teeth. This inversion changes the force transmission geometry so that forces act through the central axis of chain pins rather than creating torque about that axis, eliminating the jerking problem while maintaining effective power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive surfaces are positioned specifically on the side surfaces of the drive teeth rather than on the top surface. This localized placement of the driving function creates a specific geometric relationship where the force vectors pass through the central axis of the chain pins, preventing torque generation and ensuring smooth operation.
2Volume of moving object
If drive unit is mounted inside closed loop configuration of conveyor chain, then space is reduced and vertical structure is lowered, but drive mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is nested inside the closed loop configuration of the conveyor chain, with the drive chain and drive teeth positioned within the space enclosed by the conveyor chain. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall volume and vertical height of the drive mechanism while integrating it into the existing conveyor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive chain is configured to surround both the first and second sprocket arrangements, merging the drive mechanism into a single integrated unit that operates within the closed loop of the conveyor chain. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If chain pitch is reduced to improve conveyor precision, then manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Curved drive surfaces are used on the side surfaces of the drive teeth, with centers of curvature positioned at specific longitudinal distances from the chain pin central axes. This curvature geometry optimizes force distribution and engagement, allowing for reduced chain pitch while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and avoiding excessive 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
The solution reduces jerking and torque, enabling a more durable and efficient conveyor system with a compact design, suitable for both forward and reverse directions, and adaptable to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
curved drive surfaces for transmitting driving forces from the drive unit to the conveyor chain
Implementation Method 2
force resultants caused by force vectors are directed so that they pass via an area between central axis of the chain pins. This way jerking of the drive chain and the entire conveyor can be avoided since supporting forces of the drive teeth are better controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit, a chain conveyor and a method of conveying objects and material. The drive unit (10) comprises a drive chain (13) comprising several protruding drive teeth (18) which are arranged in engagement with a conveyor chain assembly (3). The drive teeth comprise curved drive surfaces (19) on their side surfaces.