Extendable Conveyor Boom Brake Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity loaders for trucks and trailers require complex and expensive powered extension and retraction systems due to their size and weight, lacking a reliable and fail-safe mechanism to limit movement when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A cantilevered telescopic extendable loader with a braking device that engages a support roller to limit movement when not in use, allowing extension and retraction only when actuated by an operator, and automatically braking when not in use, utilizing a nested design with interconnected chains or cables for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If powered extension and retraction systems are used to move the loader, then the loader can be extended and retracted despite its size and weight, but the system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The loader is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. Each section has its own support roller and braking device, allowing the loader to be segmented into manageable units that can be controlled separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extension capability
Solution Approach 2:
The loader uses gravity to assist its own extension and retraction process. When the braking device is disengaged, gravity causes packages to move down the loader, which in turn helps extend or retract the telescopic sections without requiring additional powered mechanisms, making the system self-serviceing
2Ease of operation
If the loader is extended to reach further into the trailer, then manual lifting and carrying of packages is minimized, but the loader takes up more space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The loader employs a telescopic design where multiple sections are nested within each other. When retracted, the sections fold back into the base structure like nested dolls, minimizing the space occupied. When extended, the sections unfold to reach further into the trailer, improving package handling efficiency without permanently increasing space requirements
3Reliability
If the braking element is constantly engaged to prevent unintended movement, then safety is improved, but the loader cannot be extended or retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The braking element can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on operational needs. During normal operation, the braking element is disengaged to allow movement. When operation is complete or interrupted, the braking element automatically engages to prevent unintended movement, providing safety without permanently restricting mobility
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 provides a cost-effective, fail-safe mechanism for extending and retracting the loader, minimizing manual effort and space usage, while ensuring safe operation by limiting unintended movement and optimizing package travel rates within the trailer.
Implementation Method 1
The braking element is engaged to contact the support roller, thereby limiting rotation of the support roller
Implementation Method 2
The braking device may include a biasing element that biases or urges the braking element into engagement with the support roller
Implementation Method 3
The gravity loaders are extendable into a truck/trailer and angled downward such that gravitational forces cause packages to move down the loaders along a plurality of rollers
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable conveyor includes a support structure, and at least one extendable unit that is supported in a cantilevered manner and that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position nested within the support structure. The extendable unit has at least one support roller for rollingly engaging at least one of another extendable unit and the support structure as the extendable unit is extended or retracted. The conveyor includes a braking device operable to limit rotation of at least one support roller via selective engagement of a braking element with the support roller. The braking device is activatable to disengage the braking element from the support roller in response to actuation of a user input. The braking element is biased to engage the braking element with the support roller when the braking device is deactivated.