Conveyor Slat Lateral Stop Mechanism for Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts in food preparation and cooking devices, such as toasters and ovens, face issues with lateral movement of slats along wire rods, leading to gaps and jamming, which complicates assembly, maintenance, and repair, especially due to the expense and complexity of existing wire conveyor belts.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of slats with a lateral stop extending from one end, which limits lateral movement along metal rods, preventing gaps and jamming, and allowing for easier assembly and replacement without specialized tools, using materials like stainless steel and other durable metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If slats are attached to wire rods without a lateral stop, then assembly is simpler and cost is reduced, but lateral movement occurs causing gaps and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The slat is divided into functional segments: a flat body portion for support, a lateral stop for positioning, and a connection portion for attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, preventing lateral movement while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral stop acts as an intermediary element between the slat and the wire rods, providing a physical barrier that prevents lateral movement. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity while significantly improving reliability
2Shape
If existing wire conveyor belts are used, then a flat support surface is provided, but the belt is expensive to produce and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is segmented into modular slats that can be individually attached to wire rods. This modularity simplifies repair and replacement, as individual slats can be replaced without replacing the entire belt, while still providing a continuous flat support surface
Solution Approach 2:
The slat design uses simple, inexpensive materials and structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than using complex welded wire assemblies, the patent employs simple slats with lateral stops that can be quickly replaced in the field without specialized tools
3Ease of operation
If slats are allowed to move laterally on wire rods, then assembly is easier, but gaps form and food processing consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral stop serves as an intermediary positioning element that maintains consistent spacing between slats. It provides a simple mechanical stop that ensures uniform positioning without complicating the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral stop changes the positional parameter of the slat by providing a physical constraint. This simple geometric modification ensures consistent positioning of each slat along the wire rods, maintaining precision without affecting assembly ease
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt system f includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced rods, and a plurality of slats. At least one of the slats in the plurality of slats includes a flat body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and a lateral stop extending from one end of the flat body portion.