Modular Conveyor Chain Return Run Sag Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular link conveyors experience sagging along the return run, leading to excessive wear on the conveying surface and instability of conveyed articles, especially in wider chains, due to the need for external support structures that can create grooves and interfere with smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor system with modular links featuring intermediate guide links with transversely extending tabs that engage rails along the return run, providing suspended support without direct contact with the conveying surface, thus preventing sagging and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If external longitudinal rails are used to support the chain along the return run, then sagging is prevented, but excessive wear occurs on the conveying surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain sagging preventionVSAvoidconveying surface wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented from the conveying surface contact. Instead of continuous rail contact with the conveying surface, the patent uses discrete support points through guide links with projections that engage with support rails. This segmentation prevents continuous wear while maintaining sagging prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide link with projection acts as an intermediary between the chain and the support rail. The projection engages with the support rail to provide support without direct contact between the conveying surface and the support structure, thereby preventing wear on the conveying surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If external brackets and guide rails are used to support the chain, then sagging is prevented, but the passage of the chain becomes interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain sagging preventionVSAvoidchain passage smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is applied locally at specific points where the guide link projections engage the support rails, rather than through continuous external brackets. This localized support prevents sagging while maintaining smooth chain passage through the return run.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If the conveying surface is made non-smooth to prevent articles from becoming unstable, then article stability is improved, but cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle stabilityVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into discrete engagement points through guide link projections, which prevents the need for continuous non-smooth surfaces. This allows the conveying surface to remain smooth for easy cleaning while providing localized support where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7559421B1Modular link conveyor chain with return run support arrangement

Publication Date: 2009.07.14 SPAN TECH LLC

AI summary

A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.