Conveyor Indexing Mechanism for Precise Load Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional indexing conveyors face challenges in efficiently advancing multiple rows of loads in a linear direction, particularly in processing applications where precise alignment and incremental movement are required, often resulting in inefficiencies and potential product damage.

Innovation Solution

The development of a conveyor system with a frame structure, indexing device, and powered members that allow for incremental advancement of loads through a combination of stationary and movable components, including receptacles, carrying members, and force exerting members, enabling precise linear movement and alignment of loads across multiple rows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional indexing conveyors use simple push mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor mechanism complexityVSAvoidload alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system divides the advancement mechanism into multiple independent force-exerting members, each capable of independently engaging and advancing loads. This segmentation allows precise control over each load's movement while keeping individual components simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The force-exerting members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically engage with loads only when needed. This dynamic capability enables precise alignment control without requiring a complex fixed mechanism, as members can be positioned and repositioned as required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional conveyors use continuous movement, then productivity increases, but product damage increases due to lack of controlled incremental movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial handling throughputVSAvoidproduct damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing conveyor employs periodic, incremental advancement cycles where force-exerting members engage loads at specific intervals and advance them by controlled amounts. This periodic action replaces continuous movement, maintaining productivity through systematic cycling while preventing product damage through controlled, discrete movement steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

While using periodic advancement, the system maintains continuous productivity by ensuring that force-exerting members are always engaged with loads during the advancement phase. The useful action of transporting loads continues without interruption through coordinated cycling of multiple force-exerting members, achieving both productivity and gentle handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If conventional indexing conveyors use fixed push mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different load configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindexing mechanism complexityVSAvoidload configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The force-exerting members are designed as movable components that can be independently positioned and engaged with different load configurations. This dynamic design allows the same conveyor mechanism to adapt to various load arrangements without requiring complex reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The force-exerting members are designed to perform multiple functions: they can engage with different load types, advance loads at different positions, and work in various configurations. This universal design allows a single conveyor mechanism to handle diverse material handling scenarios without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10829307B2Conveyor

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 ZME LLC

AI summary

A conveyor may include a track, a material carrying assembly, a powered member, a stationary frame and two movable frames configured for a movement in a relationship to the stationary frame by way of track assemblies mounted stationary on an interior of the stationary frame and roller assemblies affixed to the two movable frames. The material carrying assembly moves in a vertical direction between two positions to allow material movement in a first direction along the track and in a second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. A conveyor may also include a track, a material carrying and two or more powered members coupled to the material carrying assembly and configured to move the material carrying assembly in the vertical direction.