Compact Conveyor Barrier Linkage for Removable Object Stopping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems lack effective mechanisms to control or temporarily stop the movement of objects, and existing solutions often require modifications to the conveyor system for installation or are not easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A compact barrier system with a housing, actuator, cam, linkage, and barrier that can be removably secured to a conveyor system, allowing the barrier to move between retracted and extended positions, controlled by a controller and sensors, with stops to prevent unwanted movement, and using a brushless DC motor for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier system is added to control object movement on a conveyor system, then the ability to control or stop object movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system combines multiple components (actuator, cam, linkage, barrier, housing) into a single integrated assembly that functions as one cohesive unit for controlling conveyor objects, resolving the contradiction by merging control functions into a unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system serves multiple functions: it can extend to block objects, retract to allow passage, and integrate with existing conveyor control systems, providing versatile control capability without requiring separate specialized components for each function
2Area of stationary object
If a compact barrier system is designed to require minimal space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system nests components within each other - the cam is housed within the housing, the linkage connects the cam to the barrier, and the entire assembly fits within a compact footprint, achieving space efficiency through nested arrangement of mechanical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves compactness by utilizing vertical space with the barrier extending upward from the housing rather than requiring horizontal space, and the cam mechanism converts rotational motion into vertical barrier movement, effectively using dimensional transformation to reduce footprint
3Ease of operation
If the barrier system is designed to be removable and modular, then the ease of installation and replacement is improved, but the structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is segmented into a self-contained modular unit with housing, actuator, and barrier components that can be installed and removed as one piece from the conveyor system, facilitating easy installation and replacement while maintaining internal structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The entire barrier mechanism is extracted as a removable module that can be taken out and replaced without modifying the conveyor system, achieving ease of installation while the internal components remain securely integrated within the housing during operation
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 system effectively controls object movement, is robust and modular, requiring minimal space, and can withstand many cycles without damage, allowing easy replacement and integration with existing conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a brushless DC motor
Implementation Method 2
actuating an actuator to rotate a cam in a first direction, the cam connected to a barrier via a link
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an actuator, a barrier, and a linkage system connecting the barrier to the actuator and configured to move the barrier element between a retracted position and an extended position, and a stop arranged to inhibit a motion of the linkage system in a first direction when the barrier is in the extended position.