Conveyor Chain Ball Unit Integration and Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor chains face issues with the complexity of replacing worn ball units and maintaining structural integrity due to their modular design, which complicates the attachment and detachment of ball units and leads to potential separation during assembly and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor chain design featuring chain links with integrally molded article loading parts and alternately protruding hinge parts, where ball units are detachably installed into a U-shaped unit installation area between adjacent hinge parts, utilizing engagement and recess structures for secure positioning and easy replacement, and a tool slot for effortless detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the conveyor chain uses a modular belt module structure with first member and second member combined together from the normal direction to hold balls, then the ball units can be held between members, but the integrated strength of the belt modules cannot be sufficiently exhibited and the number of part items is doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first member and second member into a single integrated chain link structure where the article loading part and hinge parts are formed as one piece. This eliminates the need to combine separate members from the normal direction, thereby maintaining integrated strength while still achieving modular functionality through the chain link design.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain link is segmented into functional parts: the article loading part for carrying articles and multiple hinge parts protruding alternately from front and rear edges. This segmentation allows the single integrated structure to achieve modular assembly capabilities without compromising overall strength.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyor chain uses a conventional belt module structure with hinge pins to connect first and second members, then the modules can be assembled, but replacing a worn ball is complicated and requires disassembling the belt module in the normal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ball replacement process from the complex multi-step disassembly of the entire belt module. By designing the ball unit with an engagement part that can be independently accessed and replaced through the unit installation area, the ball can be removed and replaced without disassembling the hinge pins or separating the first and second members.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement part and engaged part design allows the ball unit to be self-contained and independently serviceable. The tool inserting slot enables the ball unit to be accessed and replaced using simple tools without requiring complex disassembly procedures, making maintenance straightforward and efficient.
3Reliability
If the conveyor chain uses a conventional structure where balls are confined by first member and second member, then the balls are held in position, but the structure is complex and integrated strength cannot be exhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ball confining function into the single integrated chain link structure. The engagement part formed integrally with the chain link provides the confining function without requiring separate first and second members, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable ball positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain link structure serves multiple functions: it provides the article loading surface, forms the hinge parts for connection, and integrates the engagement part for ball unit confinement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Ease of repair
If the conveyor chain replaces worn balls by disassembling the belt module in the normal direction after pulling out hinge pins, then the worn ball can be accessed, but freeing of other balls may occur and the process is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ball access function from the complex process of pulling out hinge pins and disassembling the entire belt module. The engagement part and engaged part design allows the specific ball unit to be accessed and replaced independently through the unit installation area, preventing other balls from being freed or displaced during the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain link is segmented into independently serviceable ball units, each with its own engagement part. This segmentation allows individual ball units to be accessed and replaced without affecting other balls, providing precise control over which ball is being serviced while maintaining the integrity of other ball units.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a conveyor chain (100) capable of independently and easily mounting ball units (130) into a single chain link (110) to prevent the separation thereof, and also facilitating the dismounting thereof. This conveyor chain comprises a number of chain links (110) mutually connected in the chain longitudinal direction, each chain link having a plurality of hinge parts (112) protruding alternately from a front edge and a rear edge as an integrally molded unit; and a ball unit (130) holding a ball (131) which is free to be rotated while being exposed to both sides of the chain link, the ball unit being detachably installed in a direction normal to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the chain into a unit installation area defined between adjacent hinge parts and a hinge pin longitudinally from the chain direction. The ball unit is positioned and fixed transversely in the chain double-side direction and longitudinally in the chain direction by engagement with the chain link.