Conveyor Sensor Relocation for Cleanliness and Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal conveyor systems face issues with sensor contamination and risk of sensor detachment due to dirt and carelessness, particularly in clean environments like the food industry, where maintaining cleanliness is challenging and sensors are exposed to harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
The sensor is relocated to the underside of the horizontal conveyor track, and the pulse generator is housed in a chamber within the transport device, eliminating protrusions and allowing for easier cleaning, with a magnetic switch and magnet configuration using non-magnetizable materials to maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is located on the runner of the horizontal conveyor track, then the sensor can detect the transport device, but the sensor is exposed to dirt and contamination from oil and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is moved from the horizontal upper surface of the runner to the vertical side surface of the runner, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This dimensional change allows the sensor to detect transport devices while being positioned in a location that is easier to keep clean and less exposed to contamination from oil and dust that accumulate on the horizontal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The side surface of the runner acts as an intermediary location for the sensor, separating it from the direct contamination path of oil and dust that accumulate on the horizontal runner surface. This intermediary position maintains detection functionality while reducing exposure to harmful contaminants.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor protrudes from the runner surface, then the sensor can detect the pulse generator, but the sensor is at risk of being torn off due to carelessness
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is repositioned from a protruding configuration on the horizontal surface to a flush-mounted configuration on the vertical side surface of the runner. This dimensional repositioning eliminates the protrusion that makes the sensor vulnerable to being torn off, while the vertical mounting surface provides better mechanical support and security for the sensor attachment.
3Reliability
If the horizontal conveyor track is kept clean around the sensor, then the sensor function is maintained, but cleaning effort is relatively great
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is relocated from the horizontal upper surface of the runner to the vertical side surface of the runner. This dimensional relocation places the sensor in a location where dirt and oil do not accumulate as heavily, and where cleaning is more accessible and requires less effort, while still maintaining effective detection capability.
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
This design prevents sensor contamination, reduces the risk of detachment, and simplifies cleaning, while maintaining effective control and operation of the conveyor system even in demanding environments.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic switch (33) is located on the underside of the web (7) of the U-shaped skid (5) in cross-section, and the magnet (30) and the magnetic switch (33) are located in one plane, in the present case exactly aligned one above the other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a horizontal conveying device (1) comprising a horizontal conveying track (3) with an endless conveying device and at least one transport device (20) arranged on the horizontal conveying track (3), which is transportable by the endless conveying device, wherein the endless conveying device has a drive, wherein the drive is connected to a control unit, wherein the horizontal conveying track (3) has a sensor for the control unit, wherein the transport device (20) has a pulse generator that cooperates with the sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged on the underside of the horizontal conveying track (3), and the pulse generator is in a chamber (28) in the transport device (20).