Conveyor Belt Deflection Drum Support with Spring Axles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deflection devices for conveyor belts struggle to effectively compensate for tolerances and support strand forces, especially those resulting from uneven loads that lie outside the plane of evenly loaded conveyor belts.

Innovation Solution

The deflection device incorporates a support means with multiple support units, each comprising a support roller and a spring means with an axle mounted on the support body, allowing for individual support of the tail pulley over its entire width. The axle can deform to accommodate deviations and is designed to provide maximum spring effect, with free ends and varying cross-sections to optimize support and reduce assembly effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of support units with resilient support rollers are used to individually support the deflection drum over its entire width, then tolerances in the support roller can be compensated for without the deflection drum being subjected to extreme counter-pressure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidnumber of support units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support means is divided into multiple independent support units (10-17), each comprising a support roller (10a-17a) and a spring means (10c-17c). These support units are distributed across the width of the deflection drum (7), allowing each unit to independently compensate for local tolerances and variations, thereby improving reliability without requiring a single complex support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring means (10c-17c) introduces elasticity into the support system, changing the rigid support parameter to a compliant one. This allows the support rollers to adapt their position and apply variable counter-pressure, compensating for manufacturing tolerances in the deflection drum and support rollers while maintaining reliable contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the axle is designed with a free axle section that has a length greater than the width of the support roller (at least twice the width), then the axle can deform to accommodate deviations and provide maximum spring effect, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring effectVSAvoidaxle design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axle (27-34) is designed with a free axle section that can dynamically deform under load, transitioning from a rigid structure to a compliant element. This dynamic behavior allows the axle to accommodate deviations in the deflection drum position and provide the necessary spring effect for the support roller to function effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The axle's geometric parameters are specifically optimized: the free axle section length is set to at least twice the width of the support roller, and the cross-section decreases from the support body to the support roller. These parameter changes enable the axle to achieve the required flexibility and spring effect while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the axle cross section decreases from the support body to the support roller, then the moment of resistance is reduced allowing the axle to spring out even when a lower force is applied, but the strength of the axle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring effectVSAvoidaxle strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The axle exhibits local quality variation along its length, with the cross-section decreasing from the support body toward the support roller. This creates a gradient in mechanical properties: the thicker section near the support body provides strength and stability, while the thinner free section provides flexibility and spring effect. Each section is optimized for its specific functional requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 ensures that the deflection drum is supported uniformly, absorbing strand forces without extreme counter-pressure, even when loads are uneven or angled, thereby enhancing the stability and durability of the conveyor system.

Implementation Method 1

the axle, which forms a spring between the support body and the support roller due to elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The support rollers support the deflection drum with particularly high forces and in doing so the support rollers roll on the lateral surface of the deflection drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3390249B1Deflecting device for conveyor belts
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 STADLER ANLAGENBAU
  • EP3390249B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3390249B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3390249B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a deflecting device (2) for a conveyor belt of a belt conveyor, comprising a deflecting drum (7) and a support means for the deflecting drum (7). The support means comprises a support body (9) and a plurality of support units (10-13), wherein each support unit (10-13) comprises at least one support roller (10a-13a) and a spring element (10c-13c), wherein the spring element is arranged between each support roller and the support body (9).