Conveyor Belt Angled Straight Teeth Alignment Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum conveyors used in high-speed manufacturing of absorbent articles face issues such as excessive noise, misalignment, and premature belt failure due to straight teeth profiles, which complicate precision alignment and increase operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a belt featuring a combination of angled and straight teeth, where angled teeth maintain alignment and reduce noise, while straight teeth allow for cross-directional movement to adjust to manufacturing stresses, supported by a transmission mechanism and guide mechanism to ensure precise alignment and extended belt life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight teeth are used in the vacuum conveyor belt, then the belt can be manufactured simply, but noise levels become excessive and alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the teeth from straight profiles to angled profiles (e.g., 45-degree angles). This parameter change reduces noise by altering the engagement characteristics between meshing teeth while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard cutting tools and processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric tooth profiles where the angled teeth create unequal engagement paths on either side of the belt. This asymmetry allows one row of teeth to provide driving force while the other row provides stability and alignment, reducing overall noise and improving alignment precision.
2Device complexity
If straight teeth are used in the vacuum conveyor belt, then the structure remains simple, but alignment precision between belt apertures and deck channels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the tooth angle parameter to create asymmetric engagement. The angled teeth (e.g., 45 degrees) provide mechanical guidance that actively maintains alignment between the belt apertures and deck channels, improving precision without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple rows of angled teeth are used on the belt, then noise is reduced and alignment is improved, but cross-directional adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tooth rows into different functional groups: one row with angled teeth for noise reduction and alignment, and another row with straight teeth for cross-directional adjustment. This segmentation allows each row to independently perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different tooth characteristics to different locations on the belt. The angled teeth are positioned where noise reduction and alignment are critical, while straight teeth are positioned where adjustment capability is needed. This local differentiation optimizes overall belt performance.
4Productivity
If high manufacturing speeds are used, then productivity increases, but belt alignment stability deteriorates due to straight tooth profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tooth engagement parameters by introducing angled profiles that provide more stable mechanical guidance at high speeds. The angled geometry creates more favorable force vectors that maintain alignment stability even under the dynamic conditions of high-speed 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 solution significantly reduces noise levels and improves belt alignment precision, extending the conveyor belt's lifespan and maintaining alignment at high manufacturing speeds, thus enhancing productivity and reducing operational complexities.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum conveyors may comprise a belt having a plurality of apertures aligned with slots in a deck. The slots may be fluidly connected with a vacuum source that allows air to be drawn in through the apertures, which in turn, helps hold the article in contact with the belt while being conveyed.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for conveying absorbent articles may utilize a conveyor including a vacuum source in fluid connection with a deck. The deck may include a channel. The conveyor may also include a belt including a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an aperture. The second surface of the belt may be in facing relationship with the deck such that the aperture is aligned with the channel. A first row of angled teeth and a second row of straight teeth may be connected with the second surface of the belt. The first row of angled teeth and the second row of straight teeth mesh with a first gear member and a second gear member, respectively. The first and second gear members may be attached to an axle member such that the first gear member and the second gear member rotate with the axle member advancing the belt.