Cable Conveyor Belt Fastener With One-Piece Crimp Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for repairing steel cable conveyor belts are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require specialized tools and skilled personnel, leading to significant downtime in heavy-duty applications, especially in remote locations where access to repair teams can be delayed.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a crimp and a connector with a unitary, one-piece fastener body that allows for temporary repair of conveyor belts without the need for a vulcanization press, enabling quicker reconnection of conveyor belt ends by securing to the cables and providing strain relief to enhance durability and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional vulcanization press methods are used to repair conveyor belts, then the repair strength and durability are improved, but the repair time and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the repair system into modular components: a fastener assembly with clamp and bonding surface, and a separate power source. This segmentation allows the bonding surface to be quickly applied and removed without requiring a large vulcanization press, reducing repair time while maintaining repair strength through the multi-component fastener system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical vulcanization press system with an electromagnetic or electrostatic bonding system. The power source generates an electromagnetic or electrostatic field that creates strong bonding between the fastener and conveyor belt material, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical pressing equipment and reducing repair time.
2Strength
If conventional vulcanization press methods are used to repair conveyor belts, then the repair strength and durability are improved, but the equipment requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is segmented into a portable fastener assembly and a separate power source, eliminating the need for a single large vulcanization press. This segmentation reduces equipment complexity and allows the system to be transported and operated more easily in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the complex mechanical vulcanization press system with a simpler electromagnetic or electrostatic bonding system. The power source generates fields that create strong bonds without requiring complex mechanical pressing mechanisms, reducing overall equipment complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional splicing methods are used to repair conveyor belts, then the permanent repair quality is improved, but the skill requirement and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly is designed to be self-aligning and self-bonding through the electromagnetic or electrostatic field generated by the power source. This reduces the skill requirement for operators, as the system automatically ensures proper alignment and bonding without requiring highly skilled splicing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly is pre-configured with bonding surfaces and structural components that ensure proper alignment and connection before the bonding process begins. This preliminary preparation simplifies the repair operation and reduces the need for skilled manual alignment and preparation.
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 fastener system reduces downtime by allowing for rapid and temporary repair of conveyor belts, improving productivity by enabling quick reactivation of conveyor systems without the need for extensive vulcanization processes, and can be used in various applications from days to months.
Implementation Method 1
a crimp (514, 516) secured to one of the cables (504, 506)
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a fastener is provided for securing to an end of a conveyor belt having cables. The fastener comprises a crimp configured to be fixed to a conveyor belt cable and a connector. The connector has a unitary, one-piece fastener body with an upper portion for being disposed adjacent an upper surface of the conveyor belt end and a lower portion for being disposed adjacent a lower surface of the conveyor belt end. The upper and lower portions are spaced apart to receive the crimp therebetween and permit the conveyor belt cable to extend in an outboard direction between the upper and lower portions. The connector includes a stop arranged to block inboard movement of the crimp and the conveyor belt cable fixed thereto.