Conveyor Module Connection with Predefined Identification Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor modules with removably connected thrust bars are prone to excessive wear and require complex and time-consuming operations for connecting additional members, leading to material inefficiency and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The kit features modules with predefined identification marks and hidden holes that are drilled and threaded only as needed, allowing for simple and rapid connection of thrust bars using conventional screws, reducing material usage and facilitating maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional modules with continuous upper surfaces are used, then cleaning is easier and material usage is reduced, but connecting additional members becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining identification marks and hidden holes in the module upper surface before actual use. These pre-positioned features guide the connection process, eliminating the need for complex measurements and drilling operations during assembly. The identification marks indicate exactly where to drill and connect additional members, simplifying the operation while maintaining a clean continuous surface appearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holes are present on the module upper surface for connecting additional members, then connection flexibility is improved, but dirt entry points increase and cleaning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating holes only at specific localized positions where additional members need to be connected, rather than having a continuous perforated surface. The identification marks indicate these specific locations, allowing holes to be drilled only where necessary. This maintains the continuous surface quality for cleaning while providing localized connection points where needed.
3Reliability
If thrust bars are frequently moved between modules to prevent wear, then component lifespan is extended, but operational time is lost during reconnection operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the exact positions for thrust bar connections on each module. When thrust bars need to be moved between modules to prevent wear, the identification marks immediately indicate where to connect them on the new module, eliminating measurement and positioning time. This significantly reduces the time lost during reconnection operations while extending thrust bar lifespan through easier redistribution.
4Loss of substance
If the module upper surface is made continuous without holes, then material usage is reduced and cleaning is simplified, but connection operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous upper surface into functional zones: areas with identification marks that will receive holes for connection, and areas without marks that remain continuous for cleaning. This segmentation allows the surface to maintain its continuous appearance and cleaning advantages while providing specific segmented locations for easy connection operations when needed.
Data Source
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Figure 5B~5D
AI summary
A module for forming a conveyor, particularly a band conveyor (20), presenting a plurality of said modules connected together, each module comprising: an upper surface 1, a lower surface 2, conventional elements (3, 4) for removably connecting the modules together to form said conveyor, and means 7 for removably connecting additional members (8), particularly a thrust bar, to said upper surface; in which the connection means (7) comprise, on the exposed face of the upper surface (1) of the module, at least one predefined identification mark (9), the module presenting, below said upper surface (1) in a position corresponding with said at least one predefined mark (9), at least one connection element (6) extending from and closed by said upper surface and provided with, or in which there can be provided, a seat or hole (10) adapted to cooperate with means (11), to removably connect said additional member to said upper surface of the module.