Modular Conveyor Chain With Integrated Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices with conveyor belts require complete dismantling for maintenance and repairs, are inflexible in length adjustment, and have mechanical weak points, leading to high maintenance costs and limited adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A transport device featuring an endless transport chain with articulated chain links that incorporate an energy supply line, allowing for individual link replacement and adaptation to different lengths, with robust mechanical connections and leak-proof energy supply channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conveyor belt is used as the transport element, then the transport device can be manufactured with a simple structure, but the entire conveyor belt must be replaced for maintenance and repairs, resulting in high maintenance costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element is divided into multiple individual chain links that can be independently replaced. Each chain link is a separate modular unit connected to adjacent links, allowing defective links to be removed and replaced without dismantling the entire transport element, thereby simplifying maintenance while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If a conveyor belt with predetermined length is used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the transport device cannot be flexibly adapted to different transport lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element consists of a plurality of individually replaceable chain links that can be assembled in different quantities to achieve different transport lengths. This modular segmentation allows flexible adaptation to various production requirements while maintaining simple manufacturing processes for each standard chain link unit
Solution Approach 2:
The transport chain is designed with adjustable length capability through the selective addition or removal of chain links. This dynamic configurability allows the transport device to adapt to changing production conditions and different transport length requirements without requiring complete redesign or remanufacturing
3Ease of manufacture
If a conveyor belt is used, then the initial manufacturing cost is lower, but the mechanical load capacity is limited due to weak connection points at the belt ends
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element is segmented into multiple chain links with robust articulated connections, eliminating the weak connection points inherent in conveyor belts at their ends. Each chain link connection is designed as a strong mechanical joint capable of withstanding high mechanical loads, while the overall structure maintains cost-effectiveness through standardized link designs
4Ease of repair
If the transport chain is designed with individual replaceable chain links, then maintenance and repairs are simplified, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
All chain links are designed as identical or standardized modular units that perform the same function and can interchangeably replace one another. This universality simplifies maintenance operations as any link can be replaced with any other, reducing the need for specialized parts inventory and simplifying repair procedures despite the multi-component structure
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to a conveyor device (1), comprising an endless conveyor element which revolves between deflecting rollers (2) and on which a receiving device (4) for conveying goods (5) to be conveyed is provided, and comprising a power supply line, wherein the conveyor element is a conveyor chain (3) having chain links (7) hinged together, each link having a section of the power supply line, and the sections of adjacent chain links (7) are coupled to each other.