Conveyor Chain Wings Segmented Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain conveyors for food products experience high friction and wear due to the design of wings that engage with multiple rings and bars, leading to increased maintenance costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A chain conveyor design featuring sliding wings attached to vertical rings, with a coupling element that allows each wing to be individually replaced and mounted without affecting other components, reducing friction surfaces and enabling cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wings are connected to two adjacent bars and two rings to define side edges, then lateral delimitation of the conveyor is achieved, but friction increases and wear rate increases requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into two separate connection points: one connecting to a bar and another connecting to a ring. This segmentation allows each connection to be independent, reducing the complexity of replacement and maintenance while maintaining stable lateral delimitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing is designed to be dynamically connected to moving components (bars and rings) rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic connection allows the wing to adapt to movement while reducing friction and wear through controlled articulation points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wings are connected to two adjacent bars and two rings, then structural stability is improved, but friction between wing and guide increases requiring oil lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate bar-connection and ring-connection points, creating distinct friction zones that can be independently optimized. This reduces overall friction by distributing contact forces across multiple smaller interfaces rather than one large contact area.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing acts as an intermediary element between the bars and rings, with its specific geometry and connection method mediating the interaction forces. This intermediary design reduces direct friction between the wing and guide by distributing loads through the bar and ring connection points.
3Reliability
If wings constrain two adjacent rings and two bars together, then lateral containment is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing's attachment system is segmented into independent connection points on bars and rings. This allows the wing to be attached to and removed from individual components without affecting the entire conveyor structure, significantly simplifying assembly and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing employs dynamic connection mechanisms that allow for easy attachment and detachment from bars and rings. This dynamic design enables rapid replacement of wings without complex disassembly procedures, improving ease of manufacture and maintenance while maintaining reliable lateral containment.
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
The design reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs by minimizing friction and allowing for easier assembly and replacement of wings, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
The known type wing has the drawback of constraining together two adjacent rings and two bars. Moreover, the frictions developed by a known wing are high, resulting in a high rate of wear of the wing itself
Data Source
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AI summary
A chain conveyor, in particular for food products, having two ring chains (2) connected to each other by a plurality of support bars (3), and at least one driving gear wheel (9) to feed the ring chains (2) along a given path (P); the chain conveyor having a plurality of wings (6) integral to each ring chain (2) so as to form a corresponding side edge (S); wherein each wing (6) is mounted in a releasable manner on a single bar (3).