Circulating Conveyor Adapter Mechanisms for High-Frequency Clamp Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery production lines face inefficiencies in loading and unloading clamps between conveying lines, which hinder high production frequency demands.

Innovation Solution

A circulating conveyor system with dual conveying lines and adapter mechanisms that allow clamps to move up and down vertically without interference, utilizing snap-fit and rolling structures for efficient transfer and alignment, and servo motors for precise movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional loading and unloading methods are used between conveying lines, then the structure is simple, but the production efficiency is low and the loading/unloading frequency cannot meet high production demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidconveyor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate conveying lines into a circulating conveyor system where clamps are shared between lines. The first and second conveying lines form a closed loop with shared loading and unloading positions, allowing clamps to circulate continuously. This integration enables simultaneous loading and unloading operations, doubling the production efficiency compared to traditional sequential methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a circulating adapter mechanism with movable connecting elements that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The adapter mechanism includes movable blocks that can shift between conveying lines and adjustable connecting elements that can rotate and translate to accommodate different clamp positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying production requirements while maintaining high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If clamps are conveyed between two conveying lines simultaneously, then the production efficiency improves, but the positioning complexity and interference between mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a circulating adapter mechanism as an intermediary between the first and second conveying lines. This adapter mechanism includes connecting elements that act as mediators to transfer clamps between lines without direct interaction between the conveying lines themselves. The adapter mechanism absorbs and manages the positioning complexity, providing a standardized interface for clamp transfer while eliminating interference between the two conveying lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the clamp transfer function into separate modular components: the first circulating adapter mechanism for the first conveying line, and the second circulating adapter mechanism for the second conveying line. Each adapter mechanism is independently controllable and can be optimized separately. This segmentation reduces the overall positioning complexity by dividing the complex transfer operation into simpler, manageable segments that can operate semi-independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If high-speed conveyance is implemented, then the production efficiency improves, but the stability and precision of clamp positioning may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance speedVSAvoidclamp positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates servo motors that provide precise feedback control for the circulating adapter mechanism. The servo motors can accurately control the position, speed, and acceleration of the connecting elements, ensuring that clamps are transferred at the optimal moment regardless of the conveying line speed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high conveyance speeds while ensuring precise clamp positioning and stable transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4335790B1Circulating conveyor
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4335790B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4335790B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4335790B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present application relates to a circulating conveyor (001), comprising: a first conveying line (10) and a second conveying line (20), wherein both the first conveying line (10) and the second conveying line (20) have a loading position (40) and an unloading position (30) at the two ends, clamps (60) are circularly conveyed between the first conveying line (10) and the second conveying line (20) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; and a circulating adapter mechanism (50), comprising a first circulating adapter mechanism (51) and a second circulating adapter mechanism (52) arranged in pairs at both the loading position (40) and the unloading position (30), wherein the first circulating adapter mechanism (51) and the second circulating adapter mechanism (52) are used for conveying the clamps (60) between the first conveying line (10) and the second conveying line (20). The present application adopts the first circulating adapter mechanism (51) and the second circulating adapter mechanism (52) arranged in pairs, which can realize alternate connection at the loading position (40) and unloading position (30) of the conveying lines, and improve the efficiency of loading and unloading.