Self-Supporting Conveyor Belt Linkage Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts often require external support structures to prevent sagging and collapse under load, which increases complexity and reduces modularity, and existing linkage assemblies do not efficiently transition between self-supporting and non-self-supporting positions for navigating linear and curved paths.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor belt system featuring a self-supporting linkage assembly with interlocking links and a biasing member that allows links to move between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling the belt to support itself in linear segments while disengaging for curved segments, reducing the need for external support and enhancing modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external support structures are used to prevent sagging and collapse, then the conveyor belt can support itself, but the device complexity increases and modularity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system performs self-support through its linkage assembly that automatically engages and disengages based on the path geometry. The biasing member causes the linkage to engage in linear segments to provide self-support, and disengage in curved segments to allow navigation, eliminating the need for external support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly transitions dynamically between engaged and disengaged states based on the operational requirements. In linear segments, the linkage engages to provide structural support, while in curved segments, it disengages to allow the belt to follow the curve, creating a adaptive support system.
2Reliability
If the linkage assembly is engaged to provide self-support, then the belt can support itself in linear segments, but it cannot navigate curved paths
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the path geometry. In linear segments, the linkage engages to provide self-support, while in curved segments, it disengages to allow the belt to follow the curve, creating an adaptive support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt path is segmented into linear segments requiring self-support and curved segments requiring flexibility. The linkage assembly responds to each segment type appropriately, engaging for linear portions and disengaging for curved portions, allowing the system to handle both path types effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage assembly is disengaged to navigate curved paths, then the belt can follow curved trajectories, but it cannot support itself in linear segments
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the path geometry. In linear segments, the linkage engages to provide self-support, while in curved segments, it disengages to allow the belt to follow the curve, creating an adaptive support system.
4Shape
If a traditional support structure is used, then the conveyor belt can maintain its shape, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system performs self-support through its linkage assembly that automatically engages and disengages based on the path geometry. The biasing member causes the linkage to engage in linear segments to provide self-support, and disengage in curved segments to allow navigation, eliminating the need for external support structures.
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 system allows for continuous operation without external support, reduces assembly complexity, and increases modularity by enabling the conveyor belt to self-support in linear segments while navigating curved paths, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is configured to bias the first and second links toward the engaged position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A conveyor belt (1000) includes a self-supporting linkage assembly (1142) and a plurality of transverse elements (1140) configured to travel along a longitudinal direction (1112). The transverse elements are interconnected by the linkage assembly. The conveyor belt also includes a biasing member (1300). The linkage assembly includes a first link (1164) and a second link (1158A). The first and second links are configured to move relative to each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The biasing member is configured to bias the first and second links toward the engaged position. The first and second links, when in the engaged position, are constrained against rotation relative to each other. The first and second links, when in the disengaged position, are configured to rotate relative to each other.