Conveyor Guiderail Adjustment via Collapsible Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor guiderail adjustment systems require manual adjustment using extending guide rods that protrude outward, increasing the conveyor's footprint and appearance, and lack efficient adjustability for varying article sizes.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible guiderail support system with pivotable arms and shuttles that can extend and retract into the conveying path, using a retainer and actuator mechanism to adjust the guiderail position without increasing the conveyor's width, allowing for customizable conveying paths for different article sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional extending guide rods are used for guiderail adjustment, then the guiderail can be adjusted to accommodate different article sizes, but the guide rods protrude outwardly increasing the conveyor's footprint and width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different article sizesVSAvoidconveyor footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rod is received within a guide rod receiver, with the rod telescoping into the receiver housing. This nesting arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to be contained within the existing conveyor footprint rather than protruding outward, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism transitions from a lateral protruding arrangement to a longitudinal arrangement where the guide rod extends along the conveying direction within the receiver. This dimensional reorientation allows adjustment functionality without increasing the conveyor's transverse footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of guide rods is used, then the guiderail position can be changed, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguiderail position adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical adjustment of guide rods is replaced with an automated actuator system. The actuator, which may be electric or pneumatic, automatically positions the guide rod within the receiver based on control signals, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment system incorporates self-positioning features where the actuator automatically moves the guide rod to the required position without human operation. The system serves itself by using sensors and control mechanisms to detect and execute the necessary adjustments autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If extending guide rods are used to adjust guiderail position, then the rails can be repositioned, but the extended portions create an unappealing appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguiderail repositioning capabilityVSAvoidconveyor appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rod is nested within the guide rod receiver, with the rod telescoping into the receiver's housing. This containment arrangement hides the adjustment mechanism within the conveyor structure, maintaining a clean and appealing appearance while preserving full repositioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The problematic extended portions of the guide rod are extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior of the receiver. By removing the unsightly protrusions from the external view, the aesthetic appearance is improved while the functional repositioning capability remains intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables easy and efficient adjustment of the conveying path width without increasing the conveyor's footprint, accommodating various article sizes while maintaining a compact design and reducing the need for outward protrusions.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator may include a wedge. The actuator may further include a lever for moving the wedge into engagement with the support rail for fixing the location of the adjuster.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11840403B2Adjustable conveyor belt guiderail and related methods

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 SPAN TECH LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.