Conveyor Belt Rotor Redirection for Spill Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Belt conveyor systems face issues with material spillage from the return conveyor portion to the tail pulley area, leading to premature wear and accumulation of material on the ground, which requires frequent cleanup and can damage conveyor components.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning apparatus with a rotor positioned adjacent to the return conveyor portion, which directs material from the return surface onto the loaded conveyor surface using an intake and discharge system, mounted to the tail pulley shaft, ensuring material is redeposited onto the loaded surface rather than falling to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning bars or arms are used to wipe the return belt surface, then wear and damage to conveyor components is reduced, but material still accumulates on the ground requiring frequent cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention captures material that would otherwise be harmful (spilled material damaging components and accumulating on ground) and converts it into a beneficial resource by redirecting it back onto the loaded conveyor portion. The rotor and housing system catches spilled material and uses the conveyor's own motion to redeposit it, transforming a waste problem into a material recovery solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor housing assembly acts as an intermediary device between the return conveyor portion and the ground. Instead of material directly falling to the ground, the housing captures it and the rotor redirects it to the loaded portion. This intermediary system prevents both component wear and ground accumulation simultaneously.
2Loss of substance
If material is allowed to accumulate on the ground, then cleanup operations are required frequently, but using cleaning bars still allows some material loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the conveyor's own operational elements (the moving belt and existing motor drive) to perform the cleaning function. The rotor is driven by the conveyor's motor through the tail pulley shaft, and the belt itself transports the captured material back to the loaded portion. This self-service approach achieves material retention without requiring separate external cleaning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor housing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier to prevent material from reaching the ground, a capture mechanism to collect spilled material, a redirection system to send material back to the loaded portion, and a protective device for conveyor components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while improving material retention.
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 self-cleaning apparatus effectively reduces material accumulation on the ground and minimizes wear on conveyor components by redirecting spills back onto the loaded conveyor surface, reducing the need for frequent cleanup and extending the lifespan of conveyor parts.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of said rotor causes the directed material to be propelled by said rotor through said discharge and to be deposited onto the upper surface of the loaded conveyor portion
Data Source
AI summary
A self cleaning apparatus for a belt conveyor. The self cleaning apparatus comprises a rotor positioned adjacent to an outer side edge of the return conveyor portion of the belt, and a rotor housing received about the rotor. The rotor housing has an intake and a discharge, with the intake receiving and directing material on the upper surface of the return conveyor portion to the rotor as the belt rotates. Rotation of the rotor causes the directed material to be propelled by the rotor through the discharge and to be deposited onto the upper surface of the loaded conveyor portion.