Conveyor Belt Module Segmentation for Hinge-Area Stress Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular conveyor belts face challenges in providing optimal resistance to stresses, especially at the hinge pin areas, and lack sufficient surface extension and flexibility for supporting transported products.
Innovation Solution
A module design with distributed coupling elements along the entire width of the conveyor belt, featuring through holes for hinge pins and raised elements that enhance stress resistance and flexibility, allowing continuous bearing surfaces and 'back flex' capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting elements are concentrated in the central part of the module edges, then the sliding surfaces have larger continuous flat areas, but the stress resistance at hinge pin areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are segmented and distributed along the entire width of the module, including both central and lateral portions. This segmentation allows the stress to be distributed across multiple connection points while maintaining continuous sliding surfaces between the segments, resolving the contradiction between stress resistance and sliding surface continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the module are assigned different functions: the central portion contains connecting elements for stress resistance, while the lateral portions provide extended sliding surfaces. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If connecting elements extend across the entire width of the module, then the stress resistance is improved, but the sliding surface continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are arranged as discrete segments distributed along the module width rather than as a continuous structure. This segmentation allows stress resistance through multiple connection points while maintaining gaps that preserve sliding surface continuity between the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are positioned at different vertical levels, with some extending downward more than others. This vertical dimensionality allows the elements to provide stress resistance without creating horizontal discontinuities that would disrupt the sliding surface continuity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple conveyors are placed side by side to increase width, then the bearing surface is extended, but the connecting elements cannot connect modules across adjacent conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed with a universal structure that can function both within a single conveyor and across adjacent conveyors. By distributing connecting elements across the entire width including lateral portions, the same element design can connect modules horizontally within a conveyor and vertically across conveyor boundaries, eliminating the need for specialized cross-conveyor connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A module for a modular conveyor belt includes interconnected modules with front and rear projecting elements having an outermost convex surface and forming at least one circular arc-shaped portion, with the centres at the same vertical distance from the lower surface and at the same horizontal distance from the outermost portion, and a plurality of raised elements departing from a first upper surface of a base element or from the upper portions of coupling elements and a plurality of recesses which separate the raised elements, each having an upper bearing surface for transporting the products, a difference between the vertical distance the centres of the circular arc-shaped portions of the outermost convex surfaces of the rear and front projecting elements, and the vertical distance of the centres of the holes in the rear and front projecting elements, is greater than or equal to 1 mm.