Conveyor Belt Roller Sets for 90-Degree Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts with traditional roller configurations are limited in the angles at which objects can be diverted, restricting flexibility and efficiency in object displacement.
Innovation Solution
The use of vertically-stacked roller sets with bottom and top rollers, where the bottom roller is driven in a first angular direction causing the top roller to rotate in an opposite direction, allowing for high diverting angles and flexible displacement of objects, including transverse and rearward directions, by utilizing a drive mechanism that ensures frictional contact and minimal slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roller configurations are used with axes aligned parallel to belt travel, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the diverting angle is limited and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking rollers vertically rather than arranging them horizontally. The bottom roller extends below the belt and the top roller extends above the belt, creating a vertically-oriented rotation axis that enables objects to be diverted at approximately 90 degree angles, significantly increasing the diverting angle range compared to traditional horizontal roller configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rollers are positioned at an angle relative to belt travel, then some diverting capability is achieved, but the diverting angle remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of object displacement by independently controlling the rotation of the bottom roller through a drive mechanism. This allows the system to dynamically adjust the diverting action, controlling both the speed and direction of object displacement, including the ability to divert objects in transverse and rearward directions with precise control.
3Ease of operation
If a drive mechanism with frictional contact is used to rotate rollers, then control over displacement speed and direction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism utilizes frictional contact between the bottom roller and the conveyor belt to transfer rotational motion. The friction between these surfaces provides the necessary torque to rotate the bottom roller and, through mechanical coupling, the top roller. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional complex drive components while maintaining precise control over object displacement speed and direction.
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 objects to be diverted at significantly higher angles, such as approximately 90 degrees, with control over displacement speed and direction, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The top and bottom rollers contact each other such that when the bottom roller is driven in a first angular direction, the top roller rotates in a second, opposite angular direction
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a drive mechanism that ensures frictional contact and minimal slip
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
In one embodiment, a conveyor belt includes multiple roller sets, each roller set including a first roller and a second roller, the first and second rollers being placed in contact with each other such that driving of one of the rollers in a first angular direction causes rotation of the other roller in a second, opposite angular direction.