Conveyor Carriage Roller Layout for Jam-Free Spatial Curves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity conveyor systems face issues with carriages jamming or slowing down due to obstructions, particularly at spatial curves, which depend on the type of goods being transported, leading to operational impairments.
Innovation Solution
A carriage design for gravity conveyor systems featuring a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with first and second rollers arranged upright and third rollers horizontally, allowing for flexible orientation and attachment of conveying means, coupled with optional buffer bodies and coupling elements to ensure smooth operation even on sharply curved trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional carriages are used on gravity conveyor systems, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the carriages may jam or slow down at spatial curves depending on the type of goods being transported
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage incorporates a tiltable platform that can dynamically adjust its orientation in response to the type of goods being transported. This dynamic adjustment allows the carriage to maintain optimal contact with the guide rail at spatial curves, preventing jamming while adapting to different load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage design allows for changing geometric parameters of the platform orientation based on the goods being transported. By adjusting the tilt angle and orientation parameters, the carriage can navigate spatial curves effectively regardless of whether it carries flat goods, bulky items, or heavy loads.
2Force
If wheels or rollers are used as transport bodies, then movement resistance is reduced compared to sliders, but the carriages may still experience undesired movements or tipping moments
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail features an asymmetric T-shaped cross-section with a running surface on one side and a guide flange on the other. This asymmetric design provides both low-friction rolling contact on the running surface and lateral guidance through the guide flange, preventing undesired movements while maintaining low movement resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage incorporates a tiltable platform as an intermediary element between the rollers and the guide rail. This platform acts as a mediator that absorbs and compensates for misalignments and forces, preventing tipping moments and stabilizing the carriage during transport of various goods.
3Ease of manufacture
If the carriage design is simplified for easy manufacture, then production costs are reduced, but the carriage cannot be specifically adjusted to the material being conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is divided into modular segments: a standardized base structure with T-shaped guide rail interface, and a separate tiltable platform that can be adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows the base structure to be manufactured simply and economically, while the platform provides adaptability to different material types through adjustable orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped guide rail interface is designed as a universal connection that works with various carriage configurations. The same guide rail design accommodates different carriage types and goods, achieving versatility through a standardized, easily manufacturable interface rather than custom-designed carriages for each material type.
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 carriage design ensures reliable and precise guidance, preventing jamming and undesired movements, enabling the conveyance of goods of varying dimensions and masses with minimal resistance and maintaining consistent travel, even on complex conveyor layouts.
Implementation Method 1
trolleys with wheels or rollers are usually used as transport bodies for gravity overhead conveyors, as these generally have lower resistance to movement
Implementation Method 2
Gravity conveyors, especially overhead gravity conveyor systems
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In the case of a carriage for a conveyor comprising a carriage body designed to grip a running rail, which includes a first and a second leg connected by a connecting section, wherein the first leg has first rollers mounted on its inside and the second leg has second rollers mounted on its inside and the connecting section has third rollers mounted on its inside, it is provided according to the invention that the first and second rollers are arranged upright and the third rollers are arranged horizontally.