Conveyor Belt Frame With Elastic Guiding Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belt maintenance, repair, and replacement in transport systems, such as airports, are complex and time-consuming due to the need to disassemble multiple components, leading to high downtimes and economic losses, especially in curved segments where radial oscillations cause vibrations and breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A frame design with a projecting substantially flat structure allowing lateral access and removal of the conveyor belt without disassembling rollers, featuring a lifting device and collapsible bearings for easy maintenance, and a perimetric guiding profile with an elastic area to absorb vibrations, reducing the need for extensive disassembly and enhancing service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveyor belt is supported on both ends of the frame with rollers fastened to the frame, then the conveyor belt can be securely supported and guided, but the replacement of the conveyor belt becomes complex and time-consuming requiring disassembly of many components
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into modular sections with the conveyor belt supported at multiple points along its length rather than only at the ends. This segmentation allows the belt to be accessed and replaced by working on one section at a time, reducing the need to disassemble the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates movable or adjustable elements that allow the conveyor belt to be easily accessed and removed. The support structure can be dynamically reconfigured to facilitate belt replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the frame.
2Ease of operation
If the supporting and guiding device is installed at the outside of the curve through the outer surface of the frame, then the curved conveyor belt can be guided, but radial oscillations cause overstresses leading to constant breakdowns and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates localized reinforcement and damping elements at specific positions where radial oscillations occur. Different sections of the frame have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions, with enhanced vibration damping at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration damping elements and shock absorption features are pre-installed in the frame structure at locations where radial oscillations are most likely to occur. These elements cushion and dissipate vibrational energy before it can cause damage to the conveyor belt or other components.
3Device complexity
If the inner bearings are concealed by the conveyor belt itself, then the structure is compact, but location of breakdown and repair forces disassembling many components with excessive downtime
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of concealing the bearings within the frame structure, the design inverts the arrangement by positioning the bearings on the outer surface of the frame where they are fully accessible. This allows maintenance personnel to access, locate, and repair bearings without having to disassemble the frame or remove the conveyor belt.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement allows the maintenance system to serve itself by enabling direct access to critical components. Bearings can be inspected, lubricated, and replaced without requiring complex disassembly procedures, reducing maintenance time and cost.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the perimetric guiding profile is rigid, then the structure is stable, but it causes vibrations and noise and breakdowns in the conveyor belts
Solution Approach 1:
The perimetric guiding profile incorporates elastic elements that change the mechanical parameters of the structure. These elastic components allow the profile to flex and absorb vibrations while maintaining overall structural stability, reducing noise and preventing breakdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding profile uses composite construction combining rigid and elastic materials. This composite structure provides the necessary structural stability while the elastic portions dampen vibrations and reduce noise, creating a balanced performance that addresses both stability and vibration concerns.
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
Simplifies maintenance and replacement tasks, minimizes downtimes, and reduces costs by allowing conveyor belt handling and inspection without disassembling the entire assembly, while the elastic guiding profile reduces vibrations and extends the service life of components.
Implementation Method 1
a perimetric guiding profile with an elastic area to absorb vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a frame (1) for conveyor belts (2) comprising at least one base element (1a), and at least one substantially flat structure (33a) supported by said at least one base element. Said at least one substantially flat structure is projecting with respect to said at least one base element and is open on one of its sides through which said at least one conveyor belt can be introduced/removed. Said at least one conveyor belt is close to at least one of the flat faces of said at least one substantially flat structure in the service position.