Conveyor Belt Joint Spacer Layout for Easier End Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining devices for conveyor belts require significant force to insert the second end between the wings, making the assembly process difficult due to the spacer's central positioning, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity due to the need for multiple molds to accommodate various belt thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A joining device with a removable spacer offset from the junction plane, allowing easier insertion of the conveyor belt end by promoting wing spacing through elastic deformation, and a dual-function fixing device that centers and secures the spacer, improving resistance and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the spacer is positioned at the center of the joining device, then the structure is symmetric and stable, but significant force is required to insert the conveyor belt end between the wings, making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is positioned asymmetrically relative to the joining plane, specifically offset towards one of the wing pairs. This asymmetric positioning creates unequal spacing between the spacer and the two pairs of wings, allowing one pair of wings to be closer and easier to open for belt insertion, while the other pair remains more constrained for structural stability during the joining process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molds are used to accommodate various belt thicknesses, then the joining device can handle different conveyor belt thicknesses, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joining device incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow the structure to adapt dynamically to different belt thicknesses. The spacer positioning and wing configuration enable the device to accommodate a range of thicknesses through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring separate molded components for each thickness variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining device is designed as a universal tool that can handle multiple conveyor belt thicknesses using the same mold and component set. The asymmetric spacer positioning and adjustable wing mechanisms provide multi-functionality, allowing a single device design to serve multiple thickness requirements without increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the spacer is offset from the joining plane, then the space between the second pair of wings is freed for easier belt insertion, but the structural symmetry is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the joining plane, creating unequal spacing between the spacer and the two pairs of wings. This asymmetric configuration frees up space between one pair of wings (the second pair) to facilitate easier conveyor belt end insertion, while maintaining sufficient structural stability through the overall design and constraint mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easier assembly by reducing the force required for inserting the conveyor belt ends and enhances the mechanical strength and resistance of the joint, while allowing for cost-effective production across various belt thicknesses without the need for multiple molds.
Implementation Method 1
allowing easier insertion of the conveyor belt ends by promoting wing spacing through elastic deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a joining device (10) for linking two ends of at least one longitudinal conveyor belt, the joining device (10) comprising at least a first junction plate (18a) and a second junction plate (18b) that are configured to each cover a separate side of the ends of the conveyor belt (16), an attachment device (24) for attaching said junction plates (18a,18b) together, a removable spacer (48) that is suitable for being interposed between the flanges of the first pair of flanges (20) formed by the junction plates (18a,18b), such that the centring hole (50) of the spacer (48) is offset from the junction plane (P), in order to free up the space delimited between the second pair of flanges (22).