Conveyor Chain Link Insert for Glass Transfer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-link conveyor chains experience instability during lateral transfer of glassware due to gaps between enclosure members, which can destabilize the glassware as it passes over the conveyor chain.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of link inserts between enclosure members and link plates in a multi-link conveyor chain, featuring elongate pins and planar link plates, provides a gap-free side profile, allowing for improved lateral transfer stability without requiring modifications to existing sprockets, and reduces the joining line gap by approximately 50% compared to conventional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional multi-link conveyor chains use enclosure members with gaps between them, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the glassware stability during lateral transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The link insert is nested between the enclosure member and the link plate, creating a multi-layered structure where the link insert fills the gap space. This nesting approach eliminates the harmful gaps without requiring complete redesign of the existing enclosure member or link plate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The link insert acts as an intermediary component between the enclosure member and the link plate. It mediates the interaction by filling the gap and providing continuous lateral support for glassware during transfer, while allowing the existing enclosure member and link plate to remain unchanged.
2Stability of the object's composition
If link inserts are added between enclosure members and link plates, then glassware stability during lateral transfer improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor chain is segmented into distinct functional components: enclosure members, link inserts, and link plates. The link insert is further segmented into two links connected by a pin, allowing independent optimization of each segment's function while maintaining overall system coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The link insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it fills the gap between enclosure members, provides lateral support for glassware, engages with the drive sprocket through its sprocket engaging members, and connects to the elongate pin system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the joining line gap is reduced by 50%, then glassware stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link insert is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The two links with their apertures automatically align with the elongate pin during assembly, and the pin passes through both links and the enclosure member, securing the entire assembly without requiring additional fastening operations. The sprocket engaging members automatically engage with the drive sprocket teeth.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-link conveyor chain (11) which may be used (for example) in the glass industry and to a link insert (401) for use in the multi-link conveyor chain (11). The link inserts extend laterally the top flat surface (12) of the multi-link conveyor chain (11) between the enclosure members (40,41,42,43) where gaps are reduced.