Conveyance Belt Cavities for Secure Element Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems face challenges in easily and cost-effectively connecting conveyance elements with the conveyance belt, often resulting in insecure and costly attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance belt system featuring inserts with undercut cavities and teeth that securely fix conveyance elements, utilizing a form-fit mechanism and optional threaded openings for additional fixation, made from materials like rustless steel, allowing equidistant and secure attachment of conveyance elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional attachment methods (screw connection, rivet connection) are used to connect conveyance elements with the conveyance belt, then the connection can be achieved, but the attachment process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from complex external attachment mechanisms (screws, rivets) and integrates it directly into the conveyance belt structure through molded-in cavities and protrusions. The conveyance elements are designed with integrated connection features that directly engage with the belt, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying the overall attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the connection function with the structural elements of the conveyance belt and conveyance elements. The cavities and protrusions are integrated into the basic structural components, combining support and attachment functions into unified elements. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the attachment process while maintaining connection strength.
2Reliability
If conventional attachment methods are used, then connection can be achieved, but the security and reliability of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric cavity shapes with undercut geometries that provide directional retention and secure engagement. The cavities are designed with specific asymmetric profiles that prevent conveyance elements from disengaging under operational loads, while the asymmetric shapes are optimized for reliable insertion during assembly. This asymmetric design ensures secure connection without requiring complex multi-component fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes geometric parameters of the cavities and protrusions to achieve reliable connection. The cavity dimensions, undercut depths, and protrusion shapes are carefully designed to provide adequate engagement strength and retention under various operational conditions. These parameter optimizations ensure secure attachment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through direct molding processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple connection methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connection becomes insecure and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features (cavities and protrusions) are pre-formed as integral parts of the conveyance belt and conveyance elements during the molding process. This preliminary formation of connection geometries eliminates the need for subsequent assembly operations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. The pre-formed features ensure consistent geometric precision and reliable engagement strength without requiring additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance elements are designed with self-aligning and self-retaining connection features. The protrusions automatically engage with the undercut cavities during assembly, and the asymmetric cavity geometry provides automatic retention without requiring external fasteners or complex locking mechanisms. This self-service design ensures secure connection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveyance belt (12) for a conveyor (1) comprises a plurality of cavities (26a-26c). Each of the cavities (26a-26c) is configured for form-fittingly accommodating a corresponding insert (24a-24f) for connecting the conveyance belt (12) with a conveyance element (20) of the conveyor (1).