Conveyor Module Snap Fit Extension for Roller Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular conveyor systems face difficulties in assembling and disassembling rollers between adjacent hinge members, leading to complexity and potential loss or damage during the process.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor module design featuring adjacent hinge members with coaxial openings and a snap fit extension to securely hold rollers in place, allowing for simplified assembly and disassembly by eliminating the need for a hinge pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rollers are mounted directly on hinge pins connecting modules, then the roller rotation axis is coaxial with the hinge pin axis, but assembly becomes labor intensive and rollers may fall away or be lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member is segmented into two functional parts: the main hinge body with the opening for the hinge pin, and the extension that cradles the roller. This segmentation allows the roller to be supported independently of the hinge pin, enabling separate assembly of the roller onto the extension before final hinge pin insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is preliminarily mounted onto the extension of the hinge member before the hinge pin is inserted. This preliminary action secures the roller in position, preventing it from falling away during disassembly, while still allowing straightforward assembly by simply inserting the hinge pin through the pre-mounted roller and hinge member opening.
2Ease of manufacture
If rollers are supported by cradles between modules with axles, then friction is reduced, but the assembly becomes difficult with multiple parts and securing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The function of the cradle/axle assembly is merged into a single integrated structure: the extension of the hinge member. This extension simultaneously provides the cradling function to support the roller and the structural connection to the hinge pin, eliminating the need for separate axles and reducing the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension of the hinge member serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector for the hinge pin, provides a cradling support for the roller, and maintains the coaxial alignment between the roller axis and hinge pin axis. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveyor assembly (10) includes a module (12) which can support a roller (28) between adjacent hinge members (30,32) to simplify modular conveyor assembly and disassembly. The module includes at least two adjacent first hinge members (44) extending in a direction of conveyor travel and defining a space (46) therebetween. The at least two adjacent first hinge members include coaxial openings (42) for receiving a hinge pin (40) therethrough. A first snap fit extension (48) extending from at least one of the adjacent first hinge members toward the other of the adjacent first hinge members for holding a roller in the space substantially coaxial with the openings in the at least two adjacent first hinge members.