Conveyor Link Chain Positioning Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance conveyor systems with multiple transport lines face control complexity and positioning tolerance issues due to high cycle rates, mechanical elasticity, and mass inertia, limiting their merging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A positioning section using two transport tracks and a central displacement device in the form of link chains with alternating drivers, where the link chains are designed to run at different speeds, forming a continuous surface with minimal surface friction, allowing for reliable alignment and merging of piece goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cycle belts are used to generate a zipper process for merging transport lines with high performance, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent link chains (at least three) arranged in one plane, each capable of independent speed control. This segmentation allows simplified control of individual chains rather than complex coordination of a single high-speed cycle belt, reducing control complexity while maintaining high merging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The link chains are designed to rotate at different speeds dynamically, with the transport path link chain rotating at a different speed than the displacement device link chain. This dynamic speed variation enables the zipper process for merging transport lines while maintaining simple mechanical control through differential chain speeds rather than complex electronic control systems.
2Productivity
If high cycle rates and speed are used in conveyor systems, then productivity is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to control problems, mechanical elasticity, and mass inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple separate link chains instead of a single high-speed conveyor belt. Each link chain can be controlled independently at optimized speeds, allowing high cycle rates for productivity while maintaining positioning precision through individual chain control. The segmentation eliminates the positioning tolerance issues that arise from controlling a single high-speed system.
Solution Approach 2:
The link chains are designed with different rotational speeds - the transport path link chain rotates at a different speed than the displacement device link chain. This parameter change (speed differentiation) enables precise positioning of piece goods during the zipper process, overcoming the positioning tolerance limitations of uniform high-speed conveyor systems.
3Reliability
If drivers are aligned alternately on both sides of the transport path, then reliability of merging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple link chains are merged into a single plane arrangement, with drivers on adjacent chains aligned alternately on both sides of the transport path. This merging of chains in one plane creates a continuous, reliable merging surface while maintaining relatively simple structure through the coordinated arrangement of drivers rather than complex multi-level configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivers are aligned alternately on both sides of the transport path, creating an asymmetric pattern that optimizes the merging process. This alternating alignment provides reliable positioning and merging capability while maintaining simple mechanical structure, as the asymmetric driver arrangement naturally guides piece goods through the zipper process without requiring additional complex guiding 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
This configuration ensures reliable and efficient merging of piece goods by maintaining precise control over the positioning process, reducing positioning tolerance and enhancing the overall performance of high-speed conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the link chain of the transport path rotates at a different speed than the link chain of the displacement device
Implementation Method 2
the link chains are also designed in such a way that there is comparatively little surface friction when individual objects are moved on the link chain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The positioning section (1) has transport tracks (12,13) that are formed as link chain. The sliding units (16,17,18) are formed as another link chain. The link chains are arranged altogether in a level. The link chain of the transport tracks is rotated with speed as the link chain of the sliding units. An independent claim is also included for a conveying system with a supply area.