Conveyor Belt Module Member Groove Design for Tensile Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts made of modular elements face challenges in achieving high tensile force transmission with low dead weight, leading to reduced belt load capacity and increased energy requirements, while also being prone to maintenance issues due to recess spreading during high tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
The modular link design features grooves oriented transversely to the belt direction for form-fitting engagement with surface part projections, increasing material cross-section for tensile force transmission and securing the surface part against unintentional detachment, thus enhancing belt force capacity and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base part has a recess for mounting surface parts, then the conveyor belt can be customized with different surface configurations, but the material cross-section is reduced leading to lower tensile force transmission capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The base part is segmented into a solid base structure and a recess area. The recess is strategically designed to accommodate surface parts while minimizing impact on the overall structural integrity. The base part maintains sufficient material cross-section in critical areas to transmit tensile forces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is positioned in a localized area of the base part where it does not compromise the main load-bearing pathways. The strips are strategically placed to provide reinforcement exactly where needed - at the boundaries of the recess - while the rest of the base part maintains its full structural capacity for tensile force transmission.
2Ease of manufacture
If the recess is open without closure, then surface parts can be easily installed, but the recess spreads under high tensile forces causing maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The strips are designed with a degree of flexibility that allows them to adapt to the recess boundaries during installation while providing rigid support under operational loads. The strips can accommodate minor dimensional variations during assembly but maintain structural integrity to prevent recess spreading during high tensile force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the base part material and the strip material creates a composite structure that combines the advantages of both components. The base part provides the overall structural framework while the strips add localized reinforcement and stability to the recess area, preventing spreading under high tensile forces while maintaining ease of surface part installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a module element (1) for a conveyor belt (30) made of articulated module elements (1), which consists of a base part molded in one piece, preferably made of plastic, and of at least one surface part, wherein the base part has a first end and a second end designed for articulated connection with other module elements (1), and a fastening area is formed on its upper side, wherein the surface part comprises a functional section of selected shape formed on its usable side and a retaining section formed for detachably connecting the surface part to the fastening area of the base part, wherein the fastening area is designed as a recess in the base part and the fastening area has ribs on the sides facing the two ends.which are flush with the contour of the upper surface and overlap the recess and a retaining section arranged therein. According to the invention, the fastening area has at least one groove on each side, the grooves being oriented perpendicular to the belt direction of the conveyor belt (30) and designed to receive projections of the retaining sections, and/or the base part has a web on one of its edges which at least partially closes the recess.