Conveyor Drive Assembly Telescopic Frame Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic conveyor systems face challenges with cumbersome and time-consuming installation processes due to bolt-based fastening arrangements, and existing winch and wire rope systems offer limited control and durability issues, particularly in extending and retracting the extendable frame.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor apparatus with a rotatable drive mechanism and frame engaging portions that align with drive engaging portions on the extendable frame, allowing for controlled displacement between extended and retracted states, featuring a modular design with pivotable coupling arrangements for enhanced adaptability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a winch and wire rope system is used to extend and retract the extendable frame, then the conveyor can achieve telescopic movement, but the system offers less than optimum control and the rope deteriorates over time leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the winch and wire rope system with a direct mechanical drive mechanism consisting of a drive shaft with drive engaging portions that directly engage with drive engaging portions on the extendable frame. This substitution eliminates the intermediate rope element that deteriorates over time, providing both improved reliability and better control through direct mechanical coupling.
2Strength
If bolt-based fastening arrangements are used to fasten the plurality of sections making up the base frame and extendable frame, then the sections can be securely connected, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frame into modular sections that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The drive engaging portions are integrated into these modular sections, allowing for rapid connection and disconnection without requiring time-consuming bolt fastening operations, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the drive mechanism uses a rotatable design with frame engaging portions, then the extendable frame can be controlled during extension and retraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanism and the frame engagement system into a single integrated rotatable drive mechanism. The drive shaft with its engaging portions serves both as the rotational drive element and the direct connection to the extendable frame, eliminating the need for separate control linkages and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining excellent control.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor apparatus comprising a base frame and an extendable frame, where the extendable frame is supported within the base frame and a drive assembly. The drive assembly comprises a rotatable drive mechanism which has a plurality of frame engaging portions which are arranged to engage with a plurality of drive engaging portions disposed upon a first one of the base or extendable frames such that when the drive mechanism rotates, the drive assembly is configured to displace the first one of the base or extendable frames with respect to the first between an extended state and a retracted state.