Conveyor Module Edge Clearance for Safe Under-Belt Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems face challenges in cleaning debris from beneath the modules due to limited access and potential damage to conveyor belts during sanitation, especially with modules having thickened outer edges, which complicate lifting and sanitation processes.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor module design featuring a wide outside edge with a fulcrum edge and edge clearance for a lifting lever, allowing secure engagement and easy access for cleaning, while preventing finger pinching and facilitating pressurized fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If modules have thickened outer edges for worker protection, then safety is improved, but access for cleaning and lifting becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker safetyVSAvoidcleaning access

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into distinct functional zones: the thickened outer edge provides safety protection, while the edge clearance creates a separate access zone for cleaning tools. The fulcrum edge is positioned to allow lifting without compromising the protective edge thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge clearance acts as an intermediary space between the protective thickened edge and the cleaning access requirement. This clearance zone allows lifting levers and cleaning tools to pass through without compromising the safety edge while still enabling necessary access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If belt lifters are used to access conveyor frame, then cleaning access is improved, but metal structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessVSAvoidmetal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting function is extracted from the conveyor frame structure and transferred to the module itself through the fulcrum edge and edge clearance. This eliminates the need for separate belt lifters and associated metal structures on the frame underside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The module's own structure (fulcrum edge and edge clearance) provides the lifting mechanism, making the module self-sufficient for its own cleaning access without requiring external lifting devices or additional metal structure on the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional lifting methods are used, then cleaning access is improved, but damage to conveyor belt occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessVSAvoidbelt damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The edge clearance serves as a protected intermediary zone that allows lifting levers to engage with the module's outer edge without contacting or damaging the conveyor belt. This clearances zone acts as a buffer that prevents damage while still enabling lifting for cleaning access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250388408A1Conveyor Module With Elevatable Outside Edge

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SAFARI BELTING SYST

AI summary

A conveyor system module is disclosed having an edge recess with an edge clearance to a carryway. The edge clearance permits insertion of a fulcrum edge of a rotatable lever for cleaning beneath the module. The module has a landing on the bottom surface that extends between the outside edge and the drive bar to receive the lifting edge of the lever when rotated and facilitate cleaning across the entire bottom of the module.