Conveyor Belt Clamped Connection Using Separate Cast Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clamped connections for conveyor belts with embedded tension members, particularly in belt-type bucket elevators, are difficult to assemble due to limited space and require complex splicing or binding of tension members in the installed state, making the process cumbersome for personnel.
Innovation Solution
A separate cast block is formed for each end section of the conveyor belt, allowing the ends of the tension members to be cast and joined within these blocks before assembly, simplifying the connection process by enabling the entire casting and joining to take place in a workshop, with each end section being clamped using moulded pieces and a spacer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single cast block is used to join tension members from both end sections, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase due to required splicing or binding in the installed state
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the casting process into two separate cast blocks, one for each end section of the conveyor belt. Each cast block independently secures the tension members of its respective end section, eliminating the need for complex splicing or binding operations in the installed state. This segmentation transforms a complex single-step joining process into two simpler, independent casting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension members are cast and preliminarily joined within their respective cast blocks before the actual assembly of the conveyor belt. This preliminary action allows the complex casting and joining operations to be performed in a controlled workshop environment rather than in the difficult-to-access installed state, significantly simplifying the final assembly process.
2Reliability
If casting and joining of tension members is performed in the installed state, then the connection is secured, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space and difficult access
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the casting and joining of tension members as preliminary actions in the workshop before transporting the end sections to the installation site. This approach maintains connection reliability through proper casting while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to perform these operations in the constrained installed state with limited space and difficult access.
Solution Approach 2:
The casting and joining operations are extracted from the installation process and performed separately in the workshop. This extraction allows the complex operations to be performed in a controlled environment with adequate space and equipment, while the installation process itself is simplified to only requiring the assembly of pre-prepared end sections.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate cast blocks are formed for each end section, then the ease of manufacture is improved by enabling workshop-based casting, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the casting system into two separate cast blocks, each handling one end section. While this increases the number of components from one to two, it dramatically improves ease of manufacture by allowing each cast block to be independently produced in the workshop using standard casting equipment, rather than requiring a single complex casting operation at the installation site.
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
This approach simplifies the assembly of continuous conveyor belt connections by allowing the entire casting process to occur in a controlled environment, reducing the complexity and difficulty of assembling the belt, while also facilitating easier maintenance and disassembly by using separate cast blocks for each end section.
Implementation Method 1
a cast block (30.1, 30.2) is formed for each end section (2, 4) of the conveyor belt (6) into which the exposed ends of the tension members (22) are cast
Implementation Method 2
each cast block (30.1, 30.2) is formed of a casting material that has a high friction coefficient with steel or with the material of which the tension members (22) consist
Data Source
AI summary
Clamped connection for connecting two end sections of a conveyor belt which is to be set up as continuous and which has embedded tension members, with two moulded pieces that can be braced against each other, each having a contact surface for an end section of the conveyor belt, between which is arranged a spacer, and in each case an end section can be clamped in a clamping area between the spacer and a contact surface of a moulded piece, and wherein ends of the tension members can be secured in a cast block formed with a casting material and which is braced against the moulded pieces, characterised in that for each end section of the conveyor belt, its own separate cast block is formed, a conveyor belt connected to it, and a method of connecting a conveyor belt.