Conveyor Chain Deflection Device with Segmented Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing deflection devices for conveyor chains face challenges in driving the deflection wheel with an electric motor, causing the conveyor chain to be pulled apart on one side and compressed on the other, due to insufficient space for chain link play, which cannot be easily compensated for.
Innovation Solution
The design allows for identical parts to be used in both driven and non-driven embodiments, with adjustable chain guides and a deflection angle that accommodates chain link play, enabling the conveyor chain to form a U-shaped loop without disturbing its movement, and using a toothed wheel for rotary drive connection with an electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conveyor chain is provided with enough free space to compensate for chain link play, then the deflection wheel can be driven by an electric motor, but the known deflection device cannot provide this space due to its structural constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is divided into multiple sections: a first transition section with reduced thickness, a guide web section, and a second transition section. This segmentation allows the chain to have the necessary play space in the transition sections while maintaining guidance in the guide web section, enabling motor-driven operation without requiring overall chain loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition sections are designed with locally reduced thickness compared to the main guide web. This local quality change creates the necessary space for chain link play specifically where needed, while the rest of the chain guide maintains its structural integrity and guidance function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate chain guides are provided for driven and non-driven embodiments, then each embodiment can be optimized, but manufacturing costs increase due to producing different parts
Solution Approach 1:
The chain guide is designed as a universal component that can serve both driven and non-driven embodiments. By incorporating adjustable elements and a modular design with standardized interfaces, the same chain guide structure can be configured for different application types, eliminating the need for completely separate designs and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide incorporates adjustable elements that allow it to adapt its configuration dynamically. This adjustability enables the same physical component to function optimally in both driven and non-driven embodiments, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the chain guide is made as a one-piece structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different embodiments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While the chain guide can be manufactured as a one-piece structure for simplicity, it incorporates segmented functional zones with different properties (thinner transition sections, thicker guide web). This internal segmentation allows adaptability to different embodiments while maintaining the manufacturing advantage of a single-piece construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece chain guide achieves adaptability through parameter changes within its structure, specifically varying the thickness of different sections. The transition sections have reduced thickness to provide chain play space, while the guide web maintains adequate thickness for structural support, allowing the same component to serve multiple embodiment types.
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
This solution allows for cost-effective production of multiple variants by using identical parts, ensuring smooth conveyor chain movement without compression or disturbance, and preventing collisions by adjusting the chain bag size based on play and length.
Implementation Method 1
The deflection wheel engages in the conveyor chain in order to deflect it around the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A separate sliding strip is snapped onto the guide web and the transition sections
Implementation Method 3
Due to gravity, a so-called chain bag forms, i.e. the conveyor chain forms a U-shaped loop
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a deflection device for a conveyor chain, with two opposing wall elements (21; 22) between which a deflecting wheel (50) which is adapted to engage with the conveyor chain, a rotational axis (51) with respect rotatably mounted, , two successive pointing towards, separate chain guides (61; 62) are provided, which determines an associated wall element (21; 22) are connected, they engage the conveyor chain sideways, with both ends of the chain guides (61; 62 ) a first and a second transition portion (63; 64) is provided, on the associated wall element (21; 22) a guide web (23) is integrally provided, wherein the first transition section (63) in alignment and in a straight line up to one end face ( 27) of the associated wall element (21; 22) continues, wherein it defines a conveying direction (11) perpendicular to the rotation axis (51) is aligned with the thickness of the first and second transition portion (63; 64) transversely to the conveying direction (11) less than the thickness of the remaining chain guide (61; 62). According to the invention, the second transition portion (64) ends on the end face (27) of the associated wall element (21, 22), wherein it is formed in mirror image to the guide web (23).