Conveying Apparatus for Flexible Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying methods for flexible objects often result in deformation or breakage due to gripping forces, and face difficulties on surfaces with high or low friction, such as carpets and piles of paper, where transfer is hindered by friction or instability.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus comprising a finger unit, drive belt, and dual transfer belts that move in synchronization with the drive belt, allowing the finger unit to insert under objects without applying damaging friction, and utilizing a second support unit and engagement mechanism for stable transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible objects are gripped by a hand made of elastic material, then the object can be transferred, but the object is deformed and may be ruptured or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a looped transfer belt as an intermediary between the gripping mechanism and the flexible object. The belt transfers the object without direct gripping forces, eliminating deformation and rupture risks while maintaining transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gripping system (hand made of elastic material) with a friction-based transfer system using a looped belt. This substitution eliminates the harmful gripping forces while achieving the same transfer function.
2Ease of operation
If a looped transfer belt is used to transfer flexible objects, then transfer is enabled, but transfer is hindered on high friction surfaces such as carpets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transfer belt dynamic by rotating it in a loop, allowing the belt to continuously engage and disengage from the object. This dynamic approach enables the belt to overcome high friction surfaces by maintaining motion rather than relying on static gripping forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the looped belt approach the object from below and engage it before the transfer process begins. This allows the belt to establish contact and overcome surface friction proactively rather than reactively.
3Ease of operation
If a looped transfer belt is used to transfer flexible objects, then transfer is enabled, but transfer is difficult on low friction and unstable surfaces such as a pile of paper sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating looped belt provides dynamic stability by continuously moving and adjusting its contact with the object. This motion helps stabilize unstable objects like paper sheets during transfer, preventing them from shifting or falling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter dynamically through the rotating belt, creating variable friction zones that adapt to different object surfaces. This allows reliable transfer even on low friction surfaces by adjusting the interaction characteristics during the transfer cycle.
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 the secure and stable transfer of flexible objects without deformation or breakage, even on surfaces with varying friction levels, by using a synchronized belt system and additional support for enhanced stability.
Implementation Method 1
When flexible objects are transferred by rotating a looped transfer belt, when the object is on a high friction surface, such as a carpet, the looped transfer belt is hindered by friction from entering under the object
Implementation Method 2
a technique for transferring flexible objects by rotating a looped transfer belt have been adopted
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a conveying apparatus includes a finger unit, a drive belt, a first belt and a transfer belt. The finger unit includes first and second rotation units, and a projecting tip. The drive belt includes one end fixed to the finger unit and moves the finger unit in a movement direction. The first belt is provided on a first surface of the drive belt and includes one end folded at the first rotation unit to be away from the first surface and fixed to a first support unit. The second belt is provided on a second surface of the drive belt opposed to the first surface and includes one end folded at the second rotation unit to be away from the second first surface and fixed to the first support unit.