Conveyor Module Pin Locking Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor modules face difficulties in polluted environments due to dirt accumulation making it hard to position or remove locking pins, and these locking means are prone to wear and damage as they project from the module body.
Innovation Solution
The module design features a comb-shaped connection system with an elastically deformable locking element that can be easily inserted and removed, with a seat extending through the module height and a window for easy access, ensuring the locking mechanism is entirely housed within the module, preventing wear and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking means project from the module body, then they are easily accessible for insertion and removal, but they are subject to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are nested within a seat that is recessed into the module body, with only the aperture exposed on the outer surface. This nesting protects the locking means from wear and damage while maintaining accessibility through the aperture, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If locking means are housed entirely within the module, then they are protected from wear and damage, but they become difficult to position and remove in polluted environments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two parts: the locking means themselves are housed within the module seat for protection, while a separate aperture provides access. This segmentation allows the locking means to be protected from pollution and wear while remaining accessible through the aperture, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If dirt accumulates in the module seat, then the locking means become difficult to remove, but increasing accessibility exposes the locking means to more contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are nested within the seat with access through an aperture, creating a controlled environment that limits dirt accumulation while maintaining accessibility. The aperture allows insertion and removal of locking means without exposing the entire seat to contamination, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and resistance to harmful factors.
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
This design simplifies the insertion and removal of locking pins, even in polluted conditions, while protecting the locking mechanism from wear and damage, ensuring reliable and durable connectivity of conveyor modules.
Implementation Method 1
Said locking element (12) comprises an elastically deformable portion (12A) which, only if deformed, enables the locking element to be inserted into the seat (13) and to remain retained within said seat
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~8
AI summary
A module for forming a conveyor presenting a plurality of said modules connected together, each module comprising: an upper surface (1), a lower surface, two lateral walls (3), a front wall, an opposing rear wall and, projecting from said front wall and rear wall, a plurality of comb-like elements (7,8) for connecting one module to another, said connection elements (7,8) each comprising a through hole (9A) adapted to receive a transverse pin (10) for removably connecting at least two modules together, each module comprising means for blocking longitudinal movements of the pin (10), said means comprising at least one locking element (12) removably insertable into a seat (13) provided in the module, said seat (13) communicating with the through hole (9A) of the connection elements for receiving the module connection pin (10). The locking element is parallelepipedic and deformable.