Conveyor Belt Alignment Features for Modular Link Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of rod receiving apertures in modular conveyor belts is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process due to the flexibility of belt components, particularly when using plastic links or long connecting rods, which complicates the assembly of conveyor belts and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of alignment features such as protrusions and frangible tabs on the conveyor belt links, which facilitate the alignment of rod receiving apertures by providing mating surfaces that abut to align the apertures, allowing for easier insertion of connecting rods and reducing assembly time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If modular conveyor belts are made with flexible plastic links and long connecting rods to meet design requirements, then adaptability and coverage area are improved, but alignment difficulty and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-formed alignment features (protrusions and recesses) on the modular links before assembly. These alignment features are built into the link structure during manufacturing, so that when links are brought together during assembly, they automatically guide the rod receiving apertures into alignment without requiring time-consuming manual positioning or adjustment of flexible plastic links and long connecting rods.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular conveyor belts use flexible plastic links instead of metal links to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but alignment precision and structural rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing alignment features (protrusions and recesses) at specific locations on the plastic links where precise positioning is needed. These localized structural features concentrate the rigidity and alignment precision exactly where required (at the connection points with rod receiving apertures), while the rest of the link can remain flexible and lightweight. This allows plastic links to achieve metal-like alignment precision at connection points without sacrificing overall flexibility or increasing manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If traditional alignment methods are used without alignment features, then device complexity is kept simple, but assembly difficulty and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing alignment features that are self-aligning and self-guiding. The protrusions on one link automatically fit into the recesses on adjacent links, and the rod receiving apertures automatically align along the rod receiving path without requiring external alignment tools, manual positioning, or operator skill. The structure serves its own alignment function, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized assembly equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt is provided that may include a first link having a first protrusion. The first protrusion may include a first mating surface and may be disposed proximate a first rod receiving aperture extending through the first link. The conveyor belt may include a second link having a second protrusion extending a second distance from a surface of the second link. The second protrusion may include a second mating surface, wherein the second protrusion is disposed proximate a second rod receiving aperture extending through the second link. The first mating surface of the first protrusion may be disposed in a mating relationship with the second mating surface of the second protrusion. Further, the conveyor belt may include a connecting rod extending through the first rod receiving aperture of the first link and the second rod receiving aperture of the second link.