Edge-to-Edge Conveyor Support Structure for Hygienic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems in the food industry face challenges with large contact surfaces between modular components, which increase the risk of contamination and are difficult to clean, as existing solutions create hidden surfaces that can harbor bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising plate-shaped elements with shape-fitting connections and removable fasteners, such as bolt-nut combinations, that minimize contact surfaces while maintaining mechanical strength, using materials like stainless steel to ensure hygiene and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If modular conveyor systems use large contact surfaces between sub-assemblies, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but hygiene is worsened due to increased contamination risk and difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple plate-shaped support elements that are connected edge-to-edge, creating a segmented modular design. This segmentation allows for easy disassembly and cleaning while maintaining structural strength through the distributed connection points along the edges of the plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic large contact surfaces between modular components. Instead of large face-to-face contacts, the design uses edge-to-edge connections with minimal contact area, removing the hiding places for bacteria while preserving the modular nature of the conveyor system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If modular conveyor systems use large contact surfaces between sub-assemblies, then structural stability is improved, but ease of cleaning is worsened due to hidden contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure segments the contact areas into narrow edge connections rather than large surfaces. This segmentation exposes all contact areas to cleaning agents and allows cleaning tools to access and clean the joints effectively, while the distributed segmentation maintains structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional face-to-face connection approach that creates hidden surfaces, the invention inverts the connection geometry to edge-to-edge contacts. This inversion exposes all contact surfaces to the environment, making them accessible for cleaning while maintaining the required structural stability through proper edge design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plate-shaped support elements are connected with minimal contact surfaces, then hygiene is improved, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional face-to-face contact to one-dimensional edge-to-edge contact. This dimensional change reduces the contact surface area for hygiene purposes while the edge geometry is designed to provide sufficient mechanical strength through increased contact depth and optimized connection features at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface from large surface area to narrow edge contact. By optimizing parameters such as edge thickness, connection depth, and fastener placement, the design achieves the dual goal of minimal contact surface for hygiene and sufficient mechanical strength for structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular support structures use multiple components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-shaped support elements are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: structural support, modular connection, and easy cleaning. The standardized edge-to-edge connection design allows the same component type to be used throughout the conveyor system, reducing the variety of parts needed while maintaining high adaptability for different configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a support structure comprising a combination of a first plate-shaped support element having a first circumference and a second plate-shaped support element having a second circumference, wherein circumferential parts of the first circumference and the second circumference, respectively, have corresponding shapes such that a shape fitting connection between the respective circumferential parts in aligned condition of the support elements is possible. The combination comprises at least one passage near the connection in the connected condition of the circumferential parts, as well as at least one connecting element which extends at least partially within the at least one passage so as to limit movement of the support elements relative to each other in the thickness direction. The at least one passage is formed by parts of the connecting circumferential parts of the first circumference and the second circumference.