Conveyor Guide Edges as Structural Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material sorting conveyor devices are costly due to excessive material usage and have complex architectures that hinder easy maintenance, leading to inefficiencies and downtime during repairs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates guide edges as structural elements, eliminating the need for a main body and incorporating a conveyor belt return guide system with removable fixing means and adjustable orientation, allowing for simplified assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a main body composed of profiles is used to support conveyor belts and guide edges, then the conveyor device has sufficient structural strength, but the manufacturing cost increases due to excessive material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the main body structure from the conveyor device. Instead of using a traditional main body composed of profiles to support conveyor belts and guide edges, the invention directly attaches these components to the guide edges themselves, removing the unnecessary structural framework and reducing material consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The guide edges are given multiple functions: they serve both as guiding elements for materials and as structural support elements for mounting conveyor belts and return guide systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, reducing overall material usage while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If a complex main body structure with multiple components is used, then the conveyor device can support all necessary elements, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is segmented into independent, modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The guide edges, conveyor belts, and return guide systems are separate modules that attach to each other through simple connection mechanisms, facilitating both assembly and maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic and adjustable elements such as roller blocks that can be repositioned and fixing means that can be easily attached and detached. This allows the structure to adapt during maintenance operations, enabling quick access to worn components without complete disassembly
3Reliability
If rollers and other components are fixed in a complex structure, then the conveyor system is stable, but maintenance requires system shutdown and causes loss of sorting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary maintenance features such as pre-positioned access points, removable fixing means, and modular component design that enable quick maintenance operations. These features are built into the structure from the beginning, allowing maintenance to be performed rapidly with minimal system shutdown time
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor device is designed with self-maintenance capabilities through features like externally accessible fixing means and modular components that can be quickly replaced without complex tools or complete system disassembly. This reduces the time and expertise required for maintenance operations
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 approach reduces material costs and facilitates easier maintenance by allowing for the replacement of components without shutting down the system, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a set of rollers in contact with the guide belt, placed under the latter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a material conveying and sorting device (2) comprising at least two material guide edges (4), at least one conveying belt (5), a conveying belt support (6) and a conveying belt return guide system (8), at least one guide edge (4) constituting a structural element of the conveying device (2).