Conveyor Roller Bearing Support for Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor rollers in existing conveyor devices are prone to deformation due to the urging of following rollers, especially since the middle portion is not supported, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiency in sheet conveyance.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a second shaft-support portion on the bearings that extends into the conveyance area, reducing the distance between bearings and supporting the conveyor roller, thereby reducing deformation without increasing the device's width or interfering with sheet conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the distance between bearings is shortened to reduce conveyor roller deformation, then the deformation resistance improves, but the device width increases and may interfere with sheet conveyance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor roller deformation resistanceVSAvoiddevice width

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing structure is extended in the conveyance direction (length dimension) rather than increasing the device width. The second shaft-support portion protrudes from the first shaft-support portion along the conveyance direction, allowing the bearing to support the conveyor roller at multiple positions without increasing the width dimension, thus resolving the contradiction between deformation resistance and device compactness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing is divided into two functional portions: the first shaft-support portion for rotational support and the second shaft-support portion for positional constraint and deformation prevention. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring increased overall device dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the distance between bearings is shortened to reduce conveyor roller deformation, then the conveyor roller stability improves, but the bearing structure may interfere with sheet conveyance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor roller stabilityVSAvoidsheet conveyance smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second shaft-support portion is designed to support only the shaft of the conveyor roller while leaving the roller surface exposed. This localized support approach provides structural stability where needed (at the shaft) while maintaining operational freedom where required (at the roller surface for sheet contact), preventing interference with sheet conveyance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9511963B2Conveyor device

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A conveyor device is described in which a conveyor roller is used to convey a medium inside a printing device with the conveyor roller extending in a width direction of the printing device. The conveyor roller receives a force from a following roller configured to face the conveyor roller. The conveyor roller is supported by one or more bearings. The one or more bearings include a shaft supporting portion that extends in the width direction to support the conveyor roller against the force of the following roller.