Conveyor Roller Suspension with Tool-Free Clip Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor system running rollers require complex assembly and tooling, and dismantling processes are cumbersome, especially when replacing rollers.
Innovation Solution
The use of plastic clip parts with recesses for the axle pin and a fork with push-in tracks allows for tool-free assembly and snap-latch connection, along with damping parts for vibration reduction, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fork and axle pin with screw connections or pressing are used, then connection strength is ensured, but assembly complexity and tool requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: fork with push-in tracks, clip parts with latching lugs, and axle pin with end sections. Each component has a specific function and can be assembled independently through simple push-in movements, eliminating the need for complex screw connections or pressing operations while maintaining connection strength through the latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Clip parts serve as intermediary elements between the fork and axle pin. The clip parts have latching lugs that engage with the fork's push-in tracks, creating a reliable connection without requiring direct complex fastening between the fork and axle pin. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring secure connection.
2Reliability
If metal fork and axle pin with screw connections are used, then connection reliability is ensured, but disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static rigid fastening (screws) to a dynamic latching mechanism. The latching lugs on the clip parts can be easily engaged and disengaged from the fork's push-in tracks through simple push-in movements. This dynamic design maintains reliable connection during operation while allowing quick and tool-free disassembly when needed, such as for roller replacement.
3Ease of operation
If plastic clip parts are used, then assembly simplicity and tool-free operation are achieved, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system uses a composite approach combining plastic clip parts with metal fork and axle pin components. The plastic clip parts provide the latching mechanism for simple assembly, while the metal fork and axle pin ensure the required connection strength and structural integrity. This composite material strategy allows the system to achieve both assembly simplicity and adequate connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic clip parts act as intermediary elements that bridge the fork and axle pin. Although the clip parts themselves are made of plastic for ease of assembly, they create reliable mechanical engagement through the latching lug and push-in track interface. The intermediary nature of the clip parts allows the system to achieve simple tool-free assembly while maintaining overall connection strength through the combined metal-plastic structure.
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 simple, tool-free assembly and disassembly of running rollers, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while providing smooth, low-vibration operation and addressing static charges through conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
in each case a damping part is arranged between the respective clip part and the respective end section of the axle pin
Implementation Method 2
the material of the damping part has a greater elasticity than that of the axle pin and the fork
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a running roller (2) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (10), for a conveyor system, and a suspension system which supports the running roller (2) and has a fork (6) and an axle pin (7) which penetrates the running roller (2) and is supported by the fork (6). The suspension system has, furthermore, a first and a second clip part (8) which have in each case a recess (8a), into which a respective one of the end sections (7a, 7b) of the axle pin (7) protrudes The first and a second clip parts (8), for connection to the fork (6), can be pushed in each case in a push-in direction (13) which lies at a right angle with respect to the rotational axis (10) into a respective push-in track (6d) of the fork (6) and can be snapped together with the fork (6).