Conveyor Assembly Spiral Worm Drive Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional parallel shaft drive systems for conveyors are bulky, limit conveyor width, and are inefficient in transferring rotational power due to the need for continuous tension and alignment, difficulty in accommodating direction changes, and limited ability to absorb shock and vibrations, making them unsuitable for low-profile applications.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor assembly utilizing a linked belt design with a spiral worm drive, where the drive shaft and drive screws are oriented parallel to the conveyor frame, engaging evenly spaced parallel rods or rollers, allowing for flexible and efficient transfer of rotational power without the need for sprockets and pulleys, enabling broader and lower-profile conveyor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional parallel shaft drive systems are used, then rotational power can be transferred, but the system becomes bulky and limits conveyor width
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system transitions from a parallel shaft configuration (side-mounted) to a perpendicular direct drive configuration where the drive shaft runs along the conveyor belt width. This dimensional reorientation eliminates the need for side-mounted drive mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system width while maintaining power transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is integrated directly into the conveyor belt structure through the helical groove formed in the belt itself. This merging of the drive function into the belt structure eliminates separate drive components and reduces the overall volume required for power transfer
2Power
If traditional sprockets and pulleys are used, then rotational power transfer is achieved, but the height profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for traditional sprockets and pulleys by forming the helical drive groove directly in the conveyor belt. This removal of bulky external drive components significantly reduces the height profile while maintaining the rotational to linear power transfer function
Solution Approach 2:
The helical groove is nested within the conveyor belt structure itself, with the drive shaft positioned within the conveyor body. This nested arrangement allows the drive mechanism to be contained within the existing structural envelope, minimizing height increase
3Power
If chains or belts are used for power transfer, then rotational power can be transmitted, but continuous tension and alignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional chain or belt mechanical transmission system with a direct helical groove engagement mechanism. The helical groove formed in the conveyor belt directly engages with the drive shaft, eliminating the need for separate chains or belts and their associated tension and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is segmented into modular sections that can be independently assembled and aligned. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance without requiring continuous tensioning across the entire belt length, as each module can be independently positioned
4Power
If traditional drive systems are used, then power transfer is achieved, but shock and vibrations cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The helical groove geometry is designed with specific parameters that allow it to flex and deform under load, enabling the system to absorb shock and vibrations. The groove's shape and depth are optimized to provide both drive engagement and shock absorption capabilities simultaneously
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 linked belt design provides a flexible and efficient means of transferring rotational power, accommodating directional changes and reducing the overall height and width of conveyor systems, offering improved traction and safety while minimizing wear and energy loss, suitable for various applications including automation and moving sidewalks.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly comprising a drive shaft carrying a drive screw with a helical drive formation, the drive shaft and the drive screw being oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame, the helical drive formation being for engaging the spaced engagement means of the conveyor track
Data Source
AI summary
The conveyor assembly includes an elongate frame to which a looped conveyor track is mounted. The frame has a longitudinal direction, and the conveyor track is movable along the longitudinal direction. The conveyor track includes spaced engagement device. The conveyor assembly also includes a drive assembly with a drive shaft carrying a drive screw with a helical drive formation. The drive shaft and the drive screw are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame, the helical drive formation being for engaging the spaced engagement device of the conveyor track.