Vertical Conveyor Pivot Safety Mechanism for Blockage Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical conveyor systems face issues with products falling off carriers and getting trapped, potentially causing damage to the assembly or the product, which existing safety mechanisms fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mechanical safety mechanism with a pivot that allows displacement of the carrier or transfer section to mitigate damage, and an alternative electronic solution using a processor and motor drive to detect blockages and reverse movement to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid safety mechanism is used to stop the conveyor when a blockage is detected, then the assembly is protected from damage, but the blocking product cannot be liberated and removed
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism incorporates a pivot that allows dynamic displacement of the carrier or transfer section. When a blockage is detected, the pivot enables the affected component to move away from the blocking product, preventing damage while allowing the product to be liberated and removed manually.
2Reliability
If the assembly stops immediately when a blockage is detected, then damage is prevented, but the blocking product remains trapped and cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot is pre-configured to allow automatic displacement of the carrier or transfer section upon detection of a blockage. This preliminary mechanical action occurs before the assembly stops, automatically liberating the blocking product and enabling rapid removal without waiting for the assembly to come to a complete stop.
3Reliability
If a mechanical safety with pivot is used, then the safety mechanism is simple and robust, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanical subsystem with a pivot, independent from the main conveyor drive mechanism. This modular approach allows the safety mechanism to be a simple, robust add-on component rather than integrating complexity into the existing conveyor system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly, comprising a vertical conveyor configured to at least one of pick up products from and place products on a transfer section of a further conveyor, wherein at least one of the carrier of the vertical conveyor and the transfer section of the further conveyor comprises a safety that is configured to detect a product blocking a carrier of the vertical conveyor and stop the assembly; and wherein the safety comprises a pivot that is configured to allow a displacement of at least one of the carrier or of the transfer section to mitigate damage to the assembly and/or to the blocking product. The invention also relates to an assembly wherein the safety is an electrical or electronic safety wherein a processor and/or motor drive is configured to reverse the motor relative to a movement thereof before the block, stop or slow-down is detected. The invention is furthermore related to a conveyor and to a vertical conveyor of or for such an assembly.