Conveyor Adjustment Mechanism Using Nonconcentric Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems, such as cross-belt sorters, often require adjustments in length or orientation due to manufacturing errors or installation issues, necessitating a flexible adjustment mechanism to ensure proper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with an adjustment mechanism featuring a nonconcentric surface that can be rotated to incrementally increase or decrease the conveyor length, secured by hitch fasteners and gauge elements for precise length adjustments, allowing for easy modification of conveyor segment lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor system uses fixed-length segments, then the manufacturing and installation process is simpler, but the system cannot accommodate manufacturing errors or installation issues requiring length adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conveyor segment length adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment mechanism includes a movable component that can shift the belt position relative to the frame, allowing the conveyor length to be dynamically changed to accommodate manufacturing errors or installation issues while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conveyor into modular segments with standardized interfaces. Each segment can be independently adjusted using the adjustment mechanism, and segments can be reconfigured or replaced as needed, providing flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.
2Reliability
If the conveyor system allows length adjustments, then it can accommodate manufacturing errors and installation issues, but the adjustment mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the adjustment mechanism to be self-aligning and self-locking. The mechanism includes features that automatically maintain proper belt tension and alignment during adjustment, reducing the need for additional complex control systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing discrete adjustment positions that change the conveyor length in specific increments. The adjustment mechanism allows changing the length parameter from a fixed value to multiple predetermined values, enabling accommodation of manufacturing tolerances without requiring continuous adjustment capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment positions are provided, then precise length adjustments can be made, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing adjustment positions that cover the typical range of manufacturing errors and installation variations without offering excessive adjustment capability. The discrete positions are spaced to provide sufficient precision for most applications while keeping the mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the belt at multiple predetermined locations relative to the frame during manufacturing. This allows the conveyor to be adjusted to the correct length without requiring complex measurements or calculations during installation and commissioning.
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
Enables quick and precise adjustments of conveyor segment lengths, accommodating various industrial environments and ensuring optimal performance by allowing for incremental changes in length, enhancing the flexibility and reliability of conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment mechanism including a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of surfaces is a nonconcentric surface, wherein the nonconcentric surface is configured to operably engage with the adjustment point such that the adjustment mechanism may be rotated in a first direction to increase the conveyor length by one increment and in a second direction to decrease the conveyor length by one increment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, mechanisms, and/or the like are provided. According to various embodiments, there is provided a conveyor system including a track defining a track length; two or more conveyor segments, wherein each conveyor segment including: a belt; a frame configured to support the belt; a hitch configured to operably connect the two or more conveyor segments; an adjustment point, wherein each conveyor segment defines a conveyor length; and an adjustment mechanism including a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of surfaces is a nonconcentric surface, wherein the nonconcentric surface is configured to operably engage with the adjustment point such that the adjustment mechanism may be rotated in a first direction to increase the conveyor length by one increment and in a second direction to decrease the conveyor length by one increment.