Conveyor Knee-Joint Pedal Mechanism for Load Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load separator devices for conveyors often have gaps that compromise safety and ease of operation, particularly when used on elevated surfaces or in compact environments, and require complex mechanisms for activation and release.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a trigger pedal integrated into the frame, utilizing a knee-joint mechanism and rod coupling to move a separator stop between retracted and protruding positions without springs or additional kinematics, allowing for a simpler and more robust separating function with reduced component complexity and no overhanging mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separator devices are used with gaps for load separation, then the separating function is achieved, but safety is compromised and the mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger pedal is integrated directly into the frame structure, merging the actuation mechanism with the support structure. This eliminates separate components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the separating function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be independently actuated by loads. This simple extracted element triggers the separator stop without requiring complex interconnected mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If springs and additional kinematics are used for pedal activation and release, then the separator stop can be moved between positions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the weight and movement of the loads themselves to actuate the separator stop. The loads automatically trigger the pedal when they reach the discharge end, and the removal of loads automatically releases the stop, eliminating the need for external springs or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using springs to actively push the pedal and separator stop into position, the invention uses the passive movement of loads to trigger the mechanism. The natural progression of loads along the conveyor inverted the conventional approach of active actuation.
3Reliability
If overhanging mechanisms are used for separator stop movement, then the separating function is achieved, but the risk of damage increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The separator stop mechanism is merged with the frame structure, with the stop being disposed within or integrated into the frame rather than overhanging externally. This integration protects the mechanism from damage and simplifies installation by eliminating precise alignment requirements for overhanging components.
4Ease of operation
If gaps are present in the conveyor structure for pedal operation, then the trigger mechanism can function, but safety is compromised particularly on elevated surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger pedal is merged with the frame structure, forming an integrated assembly that eliminates gaps between separate components. This integration maintains structural integrity and safety while still allowing the pedal to be actuated by loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor for conveying loads along a conveying direction has a frame and a plurality of rollers mounted in the frame. The conveyor also has a trigger pedal movable between an idle position and an engaged position, and a separator stop movable between a retracted position and a protruding position. A coupling is between the trigger pedal and the separator stop for transmitting to the separator stop a movement applied to the trigger pedal. A manual release mechanism also is provided. The frame has an end portion positioned after the plurality of rollers in the conveying direction. The manual release mechanism is arranged in the end portion and the trigger pedal is arranged within the end portion. The coupling has a knee-joint mechanism and is configured to pull the separator stop in the protruding position and to push the separator stop in the retracted position.