Conveyor Chain Non-Metallic Inserts Eliminate Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal power conveyor chains face issues with lubrication, leading to contamination in meat packing facilities due to either excessive lubricant drips or rust particles, especially when cleaned with water and chemicals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-metallic U-shaped inserts into the pivot pin receiving portions of the main links, which are secured with adhesive, preventing metal-to-metal contact and eliminating the need for lubrication, while allowing modified pivot pins and inserts for improved performance in inclined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metal pivot pins and links are lubricated with oil or grease, then friction is reduced and movement is smoother, but lubricant may fall downwardly onto personnel or products causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal pivot pin and the metal link. This insert acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for lubrication while still allowing smooth movement, thereby preventing lubricant contamination without sacrificing operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical lubrication system with a non-metallic insert that provides self-lubricating properties or reduced friction through material selection, eliminating the need for external lubricants and their associated contamination risks
2Object-generated harmful factors
If metal pivot pins and links are not lubricated, then lubricant contamination is avoided, but the pivot pins and associated structure will rust with rust particles falling downwardly
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metallic insert serves as a protective intermediary between the metal components and the environment. It prevents direct exposure of metal surfaces to moisture and corrosive elements, thereby preventing rust without requiring lubricants that could cause contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by introducing a non-metallic material into the metal link, creating a hybrid structure that combines the strength of metal with the corrosion-resistant and self-lubricating properties of non-metallic materials
3Strength
If conventional metal conveyor chains are used in meat packing facilities, then structural strength is maintained, but contamination of meat products occurs due to over-lubrication or under-lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating non-metallic inserts into the metal chain structure, the invention creates a composite conveyor chain that maintains the structural strength of metal while eliminating the contamination issues associated with traditional metal chains requiring lubrication
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor chain comprising a plurality of substantially identical alternate elongated metal main links, each of which have a longitudinally extending opening therein which define U-shaped pivot pin receiving portions at the opposite ends thereof. A non-metallic U-shaped insert is positioned in each of the U-shaped pivot pin receiving portions. The chain also includes alternate pairs of substantially identical upper and lower metal links between the main links with metal pivot pins interconnecting the main links and the upper and lower links. The metal pivot pins are received by the U-shaped inserts. Modified forms of the pivot pins and inserts are also disclosed.