Conveyor Belt Rolling Friction Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor apparatuses with spiral elevator/descender configurations face significant friction forces due to sliding friction between the conveyor belt and guide means, requiring high power drives and complex configurations, which hinder efficient operation and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor apparatus with a conveyor belt featuring rotatable members and articulated chain meshes that transition from sliding to rolling friction, reducing friction forces and eliminating the need for TABs, allowing for simpler assembly and maintenance with reduced dimensions and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sliding friction is used between conveyor belt and guide means, then the structure is simpler, but the friction forces are significant requiring high power drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sliding friction with rolling friction by introducing rollers as the interaction mechanism between the conveyor belt and guide means. This substitution transforms the mechanical interaction from direct surface sliding to rolling contact, significantly reducing friction forces and consequently the driving power required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter by transitioning from sliding contact to rolling contact. This parameter change fundamentally alters the friction characteristics, reducing the coefficient of friction and the resulting friction forces, thereby lowering the power requirements for driving the conveyor belt.
2Reliability
If TABs and holding means are added to prevent chain mesh lifting, then stability is improved, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the TABs and holding means from the system. By using rollers that inherently prevent chain mesh lifting through their rolling action and geometric constraints, the patent removes the need for additional stabilizing components, thereby simplifying the configuration while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers serve a dual function: they reduce friction through rolling contact and simultaneously prevent chain mesh lifting through their geometric design and interaction with the conveyor belt. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate stabilizing components.
3Reliability
If multiple guide members are used to drive conveyor belt in all directions, then operational reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases with positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the conveyor belt, reducing friction through rolling contact, and guiding the belt in all necessary directions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate guide members, simplifying assembly while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple guide members into a single roller component. By integrating support, friction reduction, and multi-directional guidance into one element, the patent reduces the number of parts to be assembled and eliminates positioning errors associated with multiple separate components.
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
The solution significantly reduces friction forces, enabling conveyor belts of reduced width and length, requiring lower power drives and simplifying assembly and maintenance, while maintaining engagement and stability under varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
converting the sliding friction into a rolling friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveyor apparatus 1 for the transport of packages 200, comprising a frame 2, guide means 3 which are adapted to be supported by said frame 2, a conveyor belt 4 adapted to transport the packages 200, which is slidably supported on said guide means 3, said conveyor belt 4 comprising engaging means 6 slidable on said guide means 3 and comprising at least in particular a first rotatable member 61, a plurality of chain meshes 5 mutually connected in an articulated manner through corresponding towing and connecting means 7, where each chain mesh 5 of the conveyor belt 4 transversally extends and has a respective upper face 51, defining a substantially planar surface A adapted to receive the packages 200, said conveyor apparatus 1 being characterized in that the guide means 3 comprise a support surface 35 facing upwardly, configured to engage with the towing and connecting means 7 and suitable to support said conveyor belt 4, and at least in particular a first side centering surface 31 suitable to engage the first rotatable member (61), which first side centering surface 31 faces the support surface 35 with which defines an angle a.