Conveyor Belt Link Rod Retention via Flexible Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belt systems face issues with connecting rod retention, leading to unintended lateral movement and disassembly during assembly and operation, resulting in increased assembly time and operational interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible projection in conveyor belt links that extends perpendicularly from the edge of an opening, allowing the connecting rod to be retained within the belt by deflecting perpendicular to the rod's axis, preventing removal during assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a connecting rod is inserted through transverse apertures in modular conveyor belt links, then the modules can be connected together, but the connecting rod may undergo unintended lateral movement and slide out of the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible projection extends from the inner surface of the end link to block the aperture, preventing lateral movement of the connecting rod. The projection is made of flexible material that allows intentional movement during assembly but provides retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture is configured to allow the connecting rod to move longitudinally through the end link during assembly, while the flexible projection dynamically adjusts to block lateral movement once the rod is in place, transitioning from an open state to a retained state.
2Reliability
If the connecting rod is retained securely to prevent lateral movement, then rod retention is improved, but the aperture must be blocked which may complicate the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible projection is pre-positioned to block the aperture, but it can be easily moved aside during assembly. The projection is designed to be intentionally movable during assembly while providing retention during operation, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible projection serves dual functions: it blocks the aperture during operation to prevent rod removal, but can be easily moved during assembly to allow rod insertion. The same component provides both assembly facilitation and operational retention.
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
The flexible projection effectively secures the connecting rod in place, reducing assembly time and operational disruptions by preventing unintended disassembly and movement, thus enhancing the stability and efficiency of conveyor belt systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible projection located in a lateral conveyor belt link prevents the connecting rod from being removed while the conveyor belt is assembled or operated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a pitch for a modular conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the pitch may include a link having a first leg, including an opening formed in the first leg. The opening may be defined by a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge. In addition, the pitch may include a projection associated with the first edge. In a first position, the projection may extend substantially perpendicularly away from the first edge towards the second edge so that a free end of the projection is positioned proximate the second edge. Also, the projection may be configured to deflect to a second position, in which the free end of the projection is deflected within the opening towards one of the first side edge and the second side edge.