Clamp Conveyor Tensioning via External Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping conveyor systems lack a mechanism to precisely set and read the force acting on the tensioning roller without opening the conveyor, making it difficult for operators to efficiently manage belt tension.
Innovation Solution
A clamping conveyor with a tensioning unit featuring a force measuring device, mechanical transmission system, and adjustable mechanism that allows external control of the force on the tensioning roller, utilizing a block and tackle system or lever arms to achieve desired transmission ratios and enable precise tension adjustment from outside the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tensioning unit with internal force measurement is used, then the force acting on the tensioning roller can be measured, but the conveyor must be opened for adjustment and reading
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical transmission device acts as an intermediary between the tensioning roller and the external force measuring device. This transmission device transmits the force acting on the tensioning roller to the external measurement point through cable elements, enabling indirect measurement without opening the conveyor housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal mechanical force measurement system is replaced by an external force measuring device that uses mechanical transmission elements (cable elements, pulleys) to transmit the force signal from the tensioning roller to an accessible measurement point outside the conveyor.
2Measurement precision
If the conveyor is opened for force measurement and adjustment, then precise readings can be obtained, but operational time is lost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transmission device serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the internal tensioning roller and external measurement instruments, allowing force readings to be taken from outside the conveyor without opening it, thus eliminating downtime and safety risks associated with opening the conveyor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-measurement and self-adjustment capabilities where the force acting on the tensioning roller automatically transmits to external measurement devices, and adjustments can be made from the outside without requiring opening or disassembly of the conveyor structure.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical transmission device with cable elements is used, then force can be transmitted externally, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transmission device with cable elements and pulleys serves multiple functions: it transmits force from the tensioning roller to external measurement devices, enables external adjustment capability, and maintains the operational integrity of the conveyor system, justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality.
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
Enables accurate and efficient adjustment of belt tension without opening the conveyor, ensuring reliable operation and precise force measurement, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical transmission device is designed in the manner of a block and tackle. As a result, the desired transmission ratio can be set in a simple and efficient manner. According to the principle of the factor block and tackle, (integer) transmission ratios of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 or 1:5 can be achieved.
Implementation Method 2
the deflection block is preferably designed in the form of a carriage guided on a guide device. The guide device can consist of one or more rods on which the carriage slides.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a clamping conveyor for transporting preforms for plastic containers by means of at least one clamping belt, wherein the clamping conveyor has at least one tensioning unit with a tensioning roller (14, 14') over which the return runs of the at least one clamping belt (11, 11`) are guided, a first force measuring device (19, 19') for a force acting on the tensioning roller (14, 14') and a mechanical transmission device (2, 2'; 9, 9') arranged inside the clamping conveyor (1). The tensioning roller (14, 14') is operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device (2, 2'; 9, 9') at least via a first rope element (7, 7'), wherein the first force measuring device (19, 19') is operatively connected to the mechanical transmission device (2, 2'; 9, 9') via a second rope element (8, 8') and is coupled to an adjusting device (21, 21'; 23, 23') for adjusting the force acting on the tensioning roller (14, 14').