Conveyor Belt Cleaning Device with Floating Roller and Solvent Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor belt cleaning devices for painting machines face issues with solvent vapor dispersion and complex constructional designs, particularly due to the distance of solvent tanks from the belt and the need for intricate support and drive systems for middle rollers.
Innovation Solution
A novel cleaning device with closely spaced reverse rollers and a floating parallel roller that rotates without external supports or drive systems, allowing for solvent introduction between the rollers to form a shallow tank close to the belt, reducing vapor dispersion and simplifying the design by eliminating the need for end shoulders and complex drive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the solvent tank is positioned far from the conveyor belt, then the cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but solvent vapor dispersion increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the solvent tank within the space formed by the reverse rollers, specifically between the first and second reverse rollers. This nested arrangement allows the tank to be close to the conveyor belt while being protected by the roller structure, thereby reducing solvent vapor dispersion without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible sheet material to cover the solvent tank, creating a vapor barrier that prevents solvent vapor dispersion. This flexible covering adapts to the compact positioning of the tank near the conveyor belt, effectively containing vapors while maintaining the necessary spatial arrangement for cleaning operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a middle roller is added to close the solvent tank, then vapor dispersion is reduced, but the constructional complexity and need for support systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by allowing the first and second reverse rollers to support each other and form the tank structure without requiring additional support systems. The rollers themselves serve as the structural framework, eliminating the need for separate support mechanisms and reducing constructional complexity while still enabling effective vapor containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse rollers serve multiple functions: they perform the cleaning function by contacting the conveyor belt, and simultaneously serve as structural supports for the solvent tank. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining vapor containment effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the reverse rollers are positioned close to each other, then the solvent tank depth is reduced and vapor dispersion minimized, but the space for solvent introduction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a deep vertical tank configuration to a shallow horizontal configuration by positioning the solvent tank in the horizontal space between the first and second reverse rollers. This dimensional change allows the tank to have sufficient solvent volume while maintaining a shallow depth that minimizes vapor dispersion, effectively utilizing the available space between the closely positioned rollers.
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 design minimizes solvent vapor dispersion, simplifies construction, and enhances maintenance accessibility while maintaining effective paint removal and belt cleaning efficiency, especially for paints and low-volatility liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a floating parallel roller (3), which is made to rotate by contact friction with the two reverse rollers (C1, C2)
Implementation Method 2
there is a small distance between the consecutive reverse rollers, such that the shaving contact between these rollers according to the known solution does not occur and, when the paint employed uses solvent which evaporates easily, envisages the arrangement, between the said reverse rollers, of a floating parallel roller
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The device for cleaning from a conveyor belt driven on rollers fluid substances sprayed onto it, in particular from the lower return section (T') of the conveyor belts (T) of machines and/or plants for painting, dyeing or impregnating processes, referred to below briefly as "painting machines", comprises at least two successive reverse rollers (C1,C2) which rotate in the same direction (F) so as to scrape, by means of an opposing movement, the said lower section (T') of the conveyor (T) to be cleaned, or which comprises at least one reverse roller (C1) and at least one successive doctor blade (7), which are arranged so as to form between them an upper tank (V), and which comprises means for introducing a suitable quantity of cleaning solvent into this upper tank (C), which comprises means for limiting the immediate discharging of the said solvent from the said tank so that the said reverse roller or rollers are wetted by the solvent over their entire axial length and which comprises underneath the said means one or more hoppers for recovering the paint removed by them and the said cleaning solvent.