Conveyor Roller Turn with Ceramic Bearings and Tungsten Disulfide Lubricant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor roller turns fail to maintain efficient support and guidance for conveyor drive chains in high-temperature environments, such as industrial ovens, due to limited durability and longevity of ceramic rolling element bearings under elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The use of ceramic rolling element bearings with tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant and a full complement design, supported by a frame with an inner and outer race, and an integral inner hub, providing continuous guidance and support to the conveyor chain in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional ceramic rolling element bearings are used in high-temperature environments, then the conveyor roller turn can provide support and guidance, but the durability and longevity of the bearings deteriorate under elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the lubricant type from conventional oil-based lubricants to tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant, which maintains its lubricating properties at high temperatures. This parameter change in the lubrication system allows the bearing to operate reliably in high-temperature environments where conventional lubricants would fail, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature resistance and bearing longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining ceramic rolling elements with tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant coating. The ceramic material provides high-temperature stability while the tungsten disulfide coating provides effective lubrication at elevated temperatures. This composite approach creates a bearing system that maintains both durability and functionality in high-temperature conveyor roller turn applications
2Device complexity
If ceramic rolling element bearings are used in conventional designs, then the structure is simple, but friction and wear increase in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the conventional lubrication mechanism (oil-based lubricants that break down at high temperatures) with a solid film lubrication mechanism using tungsten disulfide. This substitution maintains the simple bearing structure while eliminating the friction and wear problems that occur with conventional lubricants in high-temperature environments, as the dry film lubricant remains stable and effective under thermal stress
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
Enhances the longevity and friction resistance of conveyor roller turns in high-temperature environments, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the need for frequent lubrication or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing includes a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor roller turn for establishing a curved path for a conveyor chain includes a frame supporting a rail defining a curved conveyor path, and a roller body supported rotatably on the frame along the curved conveyor path. The roller body has an outside surface positioned to provide horizontal support to the conveyor drive chain. At least one bearing supports the roller body on the frame, the at least one bearing including: a plurality of ceramic rolling elements, an inner race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial inner side of the bearing, an outer race supporting the plurality of ceramic rolling elements on a radial outer side of the bearing, and tungsten disulfide dry film lubricant on the ceramic rolling elements.