Conveyor Belt Module Shaped Bottom Surface Nosebar Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular plastic conveyor belts face instability and vibration issues when transitioning around nosebars or reversing elements, leading to an uneven conveying surface.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor belt module with a shaped bottom surface, featuring a bell-shaped concave channel to accommodate nosebars, and slotted hinge openings to navigate turns, ensuring smooth transitions and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional flat-bottom conveyor belt modules are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the belt experiences vibrations and instability when transitioning around nosebars

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of conveying surfaceVSAvoidcomplexity of module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface of the conveyor belt module is given a specific curved shape with a bell-shaped concave channel only in the critical transition zone where it contacts the nosebar, while the rest of the module maintains its conventional simple structure. This localized shaping provides stability during nosebar transitions without unnecessarily complicating the overall module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom surface incorporates a bell-shaped concave channel with specific curved geometry that matches the nosebar profile. This curvature allows the module to smoothly follow the rounded contour of the nosebar during transitions, eliminating vibrations and maintaining stability of the conveying surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If the bottom surface is shaped to accommodate nosebars, then smooth transition is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoothness of transition around nosebarVSAvoidease of manufacturing module

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom surface geometry is defined by specific dimensional parameters including the bell-shaped concave channel dimensions, curvature radii, and depth measurements. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves smooth nosebar transitions while keeping the shaping process compatible with standard injection molding capabilities, balancing manufacturability with operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If slotted hinge openings are used, then the module can navigate turns effectively, but the hinge joint complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate turnsVSAvoidcomplexity of hinge opening structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge opening is segmented into a slot configuration rather than a simple circular hole. This segmentation allows the hinge pin to move laterally within the slot, enabling the module to accommodate angular deviations and turn negotiations while maintaining a relatively simple overall hinge structure that integrates with the conventional modular belt design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3233674B1Conveyor belt module with shaped bottom surface

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 LAITRAM LLC

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AI summary

A conveyor belt module has a conveying surface and a shaped bottom surface. The shaped bottom surface includes a concave lateral channel in the shape of a bell curve, designed to accommodate a nosebar, so that a conveyor belt formed of the modules can smoothly navigate the nosebar. The module includes hinge elements having elongated, slotted openings that are offset from the vertical center of the module.