Circulating Conveyor Pallet Deflection Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulating conveyor systems face challenges in safely and cost-effectively deflecting pallets from the upper to the lower run without interrupting their movement, often requiring complex synchronization mechanisms or risking mechanical damage during collisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a first form-locking or friction-locking element on the pallet that engages with a second rotating element in the reversing section, utilizing elastic buffer components to ensure a secure and frictional connection, allowing for smooth deflection and easy removal of the pallet without the need for internal latches or complex synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization mechanisms are used to deflect pallets in reversing sections, then the deflection can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex synchronization mechanisms and light barriers from the system. Instead of using active control systems to coordinate pallet deflection with chain movement, the patent uses a passive mechanical design where the pallet's own geometry and the reversing section's fixed geometry work together to achieve automatic, synchronized deflection without requiring additional control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet design enables self-service deflection through its geometric features. The pallet's side walls and engagement surfaces are designed to automatically interact with the reversing section's fixed elements, allowing the pallet to deflect and change direction without external synchronization signals or active control systems.
2Loss of time
If light barriers and synchronization signals are used for pallet deflection, then the timing can be controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes light barriers and electronic synchronization signals from the system. The timing and coordination of pallet deflection are achieved through purely mechanical means - the fixed geometry of the reversing section and the pallet's design work together to ensure proper timing without requiring sensors, signals, or electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic and optical control systems (light barriers, synchronization signals) with a mechanical solution. The timing and coordination functions previously performed by electronic systems are now achieved through the mechanical interaction between the pallet's geometry and the reversing section's fixed elements.
3Strength
If rigid locking elements are used in reversing sections, then the connection strength is high, but mechanical damage occurs during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies beforehand cushioning by designing the locking elements with built-in compliance and energy-absorbing features. The locking mechanism incorporates elements that can deform or yield under collision loads, absorbing impact energy before it can cause damage to critical components. This allows the system to maintain strong locking while tolerating occasional collisions without mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the locking elements to balance strength and collision resistance. By adjusting material properties, geometric parameters, and compliance characteristics, the locking elements can provide strong engagement during normal operation while exhibiting damage-tolerant behavior during abnormal collision events.
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 solution provides a safe, cost-effective, and efficient method for pallet deflection, preventing mechanical damage and eliminating the need for synchronization, while ensuring secure guidance and easy removal of the pallet across the conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
at least the first positive or frictional locking element is designed to be elastically flexible. For this purpose, at least the first positive or frictional locking element has at least one elastic buffer component. When the two positive or frictional locking elements meet, at least the first positive or frictional locking element yields.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a closed circular conveyor (1) for pallets (20) with an upper run (2) and a lower run (3) forming an upper and a lower conveyor track (4, 5), with reversing sections (6) connecting these two runs (2, 3) to each other, in which deflection elements (7) are arranged, at least one of which is connected to and driven by a motor (8), with endlessly circulating traction elements (9) in the upper and lower runs (2, 3) and in the reversing sections (6), which engage with the deflection elements (7) in the reversing sections (6) and are driven by them, with at least one circulating pallet (20) which is carried along by the traction elements (9) and circulates with them, wherein at least one first form-fitting or friction-fitting element (30; 130; 230;330) is fixed, which in at least one of the reversing sections (6) engages in a form-fit or friction-fit engagement with at least one second form-fit or friction-fit element (50; 350) arranged there, rotating about a fixed axis of rotation (16), wherein the first and/or the second form-fit or friction-fit element (30; 130; 330; 50; 250; 350) has at least one elastic buffer component (36; 36, 37; 58) which yields when the first and second form-fit or friction-fit element (30; 130; 330; 50; 350) meet. According to the invention, it is proposed that the at least one elastic buffer component (36; 36, 37) is arranged between the underside (22) of the pallet (20) and a rigid component (31) of the first form-fit or friction-fit element (50; 350), wherein the rigid component (31), but not the at least one buffer component (36; 36, 37), is in direct contact with the second form-fit or friction-fit element (50) in the at least one reversing section (6).