Conveyor Assembly with Elastomeric Damping and Modular Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor assemblies for vehicle tires face challenges in ease of assembly, longevity, noise reduction, and efficient product sorting and diversion, particularly in handling various tire types and products, with existing systems lacking in flexibility and effective noise and vibration mitigation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed conveyor assembly includes a primary conveyor apparatus with side frames, transverse rollers, and actuatable staging paddles and diverter assemblies, featuring elastomeric components for vibration damping and adjustable components for easy assembly and product centering, along with a bar code reader system for automated sorting and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid frame structures are used for conveyor assemblies, then structural strength is maintained, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is divided into modular components including side frames with integrated slots and adjustable brackets. The side frames are segmented with longitudinal and transverse slots that allow independent adjustment of conveyor components, enabling easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure incorporates adjustable and movable components rather than fixed rigid connections. The slots in the side frames allow dynamic positioning of conveyor elements, and the bracket assemblies can be adjusted along the slot lengths, transforming the static frame into a dynamic, adaptable structure that simplifies assembly procedures.
2Productivity
If powered conveyors are used to maintain product movement, then productivity increases, but energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system utilizes periodic gravitational action combined with intermittent powered assistance. The conveyor belt is designed with pitch to utilize gravity for continuous movement, while powered sections provide periodic assistance at specific locations to maintain product flow, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous powered operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pneumatic or hydraulic assist mechanisms that provide temporary boosting to the conveyor belt at strategic points. These pneumatic/hydraulic assistants temporarily increase belt speed or overcome friction at critical locations, enabling gravity-driven movement to prevail during most of the conveyance path, thereby reducing energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed conveyor configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different products decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple product types. The side frames with longitudinal slots and adjustable brackets serve multiple functions: supporting conveyor belts, enabling product centering, facilitating product diversion, and accommodating different product sizes and weights, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor configuration is made dynamic through adjustable components that can be repositioned along the slot lengths. The bracket assemblies can be moved to different positions on the longitudinal slots, and the conveyor belt pitch can be adjusted, allowing the same fixed physical structure to adapt to different product requirements and sorting needs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional conveyor materials are used, then structural strength is maintained, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates composite material elements that combine structural strength with vibration damping properties. The side frames and conveyor components utilize materials or composite constructions that provide the necessary mechanical strength while simultaneously reducing noise and vibration through inherent damping characteristics or layered composite structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration damping elements and noise reduction features are incorporated into the conveyor structure in advance at strategic locations. These cushioning elements are built into the frame or conveyor components before operation, providing prior vibration absorption and noise reduction without compromising structural strength, thereby addressing harmful factors before they can affect the conveyor system.
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 solution enhances the ease of assembly and longevity of conveyor systems, reduces noise and vibration, and enables efficient sorting and diversion of tires and other products, improving manufacturing efficiency and product handling precision.
Implementation Method 1
actuatable staging paddles and diverter assemblies, featuring elastomeric components for vibration damping
Data Source
AI summary
An improved sorting system for use with a conveyor assembly includes a transverse roller conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product stations. The sorting system provides a stager system for positioning product on moving conveyor and a diverter system for shuttling product into alternative channels. The system in a preferred embodiment is configured for use with tire handling components, and can be equipped with a bar code reader useable with tires.