Conveyor Axle Devices With Lateral Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems face challenges in adapting to various applications due to limited flexibility in positioning and movement of workpieces, particularly in achieving precise alignment and collision-free operation with existing two-axis designs.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with multiple axle devices, including linear and pivoting offset axis devices, allows for lateral offsetting of component receiving sections, enabling independent movement and collision-free operation, and enhanced flexibility in processing and handling of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-axis conveyor design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent axle devices (at least three), each capable of lateral offsetting movements. This segmentation allows each module to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling the system to adapt to various application requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The axle devices are designed with dynamic lateral offsetting capabilities, allowing them to move between different positions (in-use position and avoidance position). This dynamic adjustment enables the conveyor to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, improving versatility without requiring a completely different structure for each application
2Productivity
If multiple axle devices are used to improve capacity, then the processing efficiency increases, but the risk of collisions between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates advance collision detection mechanisms that monitor the positions and movement trajectories of multiple axle devices. By detecting potential collisions before they occur, the system can preemptively adjust the movement of individual axle devices, allowing multiple components to operate simultaneously without interference
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent collisions through complex physical barriers or restrictive positioning, the system inverts the approach by allowing axle devices to operate in close proximity but equipping them with intelligent control systems that actively manage their interactions. The collision detection and avoidance control enables higher density packing of axle devices, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining safety
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral offsetting of component receiving sections is implemented, then the flexibility in positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral offsetting mechanism is designed as a universal feature that can be applied to all axle devices in the system. By using the same type of offsetting mechanism across multiple modules, the system achieves high positioning flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity. Each module can independently perform the same offsetting function, creating a scalable and maintainable design
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
Conveyor system 1 with at least three axle devices 3 for transporting component receiving sections 6 for receiving a component 9 and/or a component holder 8 on a station track S along a main transport direction H in a component station 2, wherein the axle devices 3 each have a carriage assembly 7 with one of the component receiving sections 6 and with a delivery device 5 for delivering the component receiving section 6 from a diversion state into a transport position as well as a linear axle device 4 for moving the component receiving section 6 in the transport position along the station track S in the main transport direction H and for returning the component receiving section 6 in the diversion state in a opposite direction G, wherein in at least two of the axle devices 3 the component receiving sections 6 are arranged and/or can be arranged laterally offset from each other in the diversion state in the area of the station track S.