Conveyor Stop Delay Mechanism for Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor separator devices face challenges in smoothly extracting loads from the lower portion of storage chutes due to pressure from upstream loads, requiring improved mechanisms to isolate and delay the release of downstream loads for safe handling.
Innovation Solution
A separator device with a movable stop that transitions between separating and conveying positions, utilizing a rotary drive and clockwork mechanism to delay the stop's movement, allowing controlled extraction of loads through an energy storage system and adjustable delaying time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic jack with oil leakage is used to delay the stop movement, then the load can be retained for a given time, but the system becomes complex and vulnerable to wear and fluid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic jack system (fluid-based mechanical system) with a purely mechanical delay mechanism consisting of a spring, cam, and ratchet assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, seals, and complex control systems, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability by removing vulnerable components susceptible to wear and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs simple, robust mechanical components (spring, cam, ratchet) that are inexpensive, durable, and resistant to wear. These components can be easily replaced if needed, and their simple construction makes them less susceptible to degradation from environmental factors compared to hydraulic systems, effectively treating the delay mechanism as a reliable, maintenance-friendly subsystem.
2Reliability
If a hydraulic jack is used to maintain the stop position, then the downstream load can be handled safely, but the system is vulnerable to wear and fluid pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the hydraulic system entirely and replaces it with a mechanical spring-cam-ratchet delay mechanism. This substitution removes the source of fluid pollution and eliminates seals and hoses that are prone to wear and leakage, thereby improving reliability by removing the system's vulnerability to harmful factors associated with hydraulic fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based mechanical system is self-contained and does not require external fluid supply or complex control systems. The spring automatically provides the delaying force, and the ratchet mechanism automatically maintains the stop position without requiring additional actuators or fluid management, making the system self-sufficient and resistant to environmental contamination.
3Productivity
If the stop is released immediately when the pedal is activated, then the extraction process is fast, but the upstream loads cannot be retained safely for load handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary delay action through the spring-cam-ratchet mechanism that automatically retains the stop in the separating position for a predetermined time after pedal activation. This preliminary retention ensures upstream loads are safely held while the downstream load is handled, and the system automatically transitions to the conveying position after the delay period, maintaining both safety and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay mechanism creates a periodic action pattern where the stop alternates between separating and conveying positions based on timed intervals. When the pedal is activated, the stop remains in the separating position for a predetermined time (safe handling period), then automatically transitions to the conveying position, creating a rhythmic, predictable cycle that ensures safety while maintaining productivity.
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
Ensures safe and efficient extraction of loads by maintaining the stop in the separating position long enough for downstream load handling, reducing wear and improving reliability compared to hydraulic systems, while being compact and adaptable for dynamic storage lanes.
Implementation Method 1
The delayer comprises an energy storage that gains energy when the trigger is triggered. The energy storage is arranged to power a rotary drive that is impeding the stop from moving into the conveying position.
Data Source
AI summary
A separator device for a conveyor has a stop (12) arranged to be moved between a separating position and a conveying position, a trigger (11) arranged to move the stop (12) into the separating position when triggered, and a delayer (20) arranged to delay a movement of the stop (12) from the separating position into the conveying position. The delayer (20) has an energy storage arranged to gain energy when the trigger (11) is triggered. The energy storage is arranged to power a rotary drive impeding the stop (12) from moving into the conveying position.