Conveyor Stop Mechanism for Load Isolation and Trigger Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyors with existing separator devices face challenges in durability and efficient load separation, particularly at the discharge end, where the accumulation of loads can exert pressure on the end load, making it difficult for forklift operators to easily extract the end load without interference from subsequent loads.
Innovation Solution
The conveyor system incorporates a trigger and stop mechanism with a counter element, where the trigger is pivotable and coupled to the counter element, allowing it to move between idle and triggered positions, activating the stop to separate loads and prevent pressure on the end load, while the counter element protects the trigger from damage by loads moving against the conveying direction, ensuring smooth operation and increased durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separator device with trigger and stop is used to isolate the end load, then the ease of operation for forklift operators is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator device operates automatically through a trigger mechanism that is actuated by the end load itself. When the end load reaches the discharge end, it automatically triggers the stop to separate from the conveying surface, isolating the end load without requiring manual intervention. This self-service operation improves ease of extraction while avoiding the need for complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger acts as an intermediary element between the end load and the stop mechanism. The trigger translates the presence and movement of the end load into activation of the stop, providing a simple mechanical mediation that achieves load separation without complex electronics or control systems.
2Productivity
If the trigger is exposed to activate the stop mechanism, then the productivity is improved through automatic separation, but the reliability decreases due to potential damage from loads moving against the conveying direction
Solution Approach 1:
The counter element is positioned upstream of the trigger to preemptively interact with loads moving against the conveying direction. By engaging these reverse-moving loads first, the counter element prevents them from reaching and damaging the trigger, thus protecting the trigger while maintaining automatic separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter element serves as a protective intermediary between the external environment (reverse-moving loads) and the trigger mechanism. It absorbs and redirects the force of loads moving against the conveying direction, preventing direct contact with the trigger and ensuring the trigger's reliability while maintaining automatic operation.
3Ease of operation
If the stop remains in the separating position for extended time, then the ease of operation is improved by preventing load accumulation, but the loss of time increases due to delayed conveying position return
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism operates in periodic cycles: it moves to the separating position when triggered by the end load, maintains that position briefly to ensure proper isolation, then automatically returns to the conveying position. This periodic action ensures adequate load isolation time while minimizing the delay in returning to the conveying position for the next cycle.
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 configuration ensures easy handling of loads without pressure from incoming loads, prevents damage to the trigger, and maintains the conveyor's durability by effectively isolating the end load, allowing for efficient unloading and preventing loads from being pushed back onto the conveyor.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism (60) is provided, wherein the spring mechanism is arranged to move the trigger from the triggered position into the idle position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2G
AI summary
A conveyor (1) for conveying a load (100) along a conveying direction (C), comprises a plurality of rollers (12) for conveying the load (100) along the conveying direction (C). A stop (20) is configured to be arranged in a separating configuration, in which the load (100) is impeded from being conveyed along the conveying direction (C), and a conveying configuration, in which the load (100) can be conveyed along the conveying direction(C). A trigger (30) is configured to move between a triggered position and an idle position, wherein the trigger (30) is configured so that the load (100) moving in the conveying direction (C) onto the trigger (30) moves the trigger (30) out of the idle position and into the triggered position, thereby arranging the stop (20) in the separating configuration. A counter element (50) is configured to move the trigger (30) out of its idle position when the load (100) is conveyed on the rollers (12) against the conveying direction (C).