Powered Pallet Conveyor Switch With Dynamic Turntable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches for powered pallet conveyors require vehicles to stop during positioning, limiting conveyor speed, increasing space requirements, and causing wear and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A switch with a turntable and rail portions defining two travel pathways, allowing continuous vehicle movement without stopping, with reduced space requirements and independent positioning from vehicle position and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches (quadro-switch or rotation switch) are used, then the vehicle can be positioned on alternative pathways, but the vehicle must stop during positioning which limits conveying speed
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is designed to be dynamically positionable during vehicle passage. The rail portions can be rotated to different positions while the vehicle is moving across the switch, allowing the switching action to occur dynamically rather than requiring the vehicle to stop. This resolves the contradiction by enabling pathway switching without stopping the conveying vehicle, thus maintaining high conveying speed while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch allows continuous movement of the vehicle across the switching means without interruption. The vehicle can travel continuously from one pathway to another without stopping, maintaining continuous conveying operation. This eliminates the stop-start nature of conventional switches and preserves the continuity of useful conveying action, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving pathway switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches are used, then pathway switching is possible, but considerable space requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning capability allows the switch to be more compact. Since the rail portions can be rotated to different positions during vehicle passage, the switch does not need to provide full switching clearance in all positions simultaneously. This reduces the overall space requirements while maintaining the ability to switch between pathways, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and space occupation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches are used, then vehicle positioning is possible, but frequent acceleration/deceleration causes increased wear and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous movement capability eliminates repeated acceleration and deceleration cycles. The vehicle maintains constant speed throughout the switching process, avoiding the mechanical stress and wear caused by frequent speed changes. This continuous operation reduces wear on both the vehicle and switch components, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs while preserving pathway switching functionality.
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
Enables continuous conveyor operation, reduces wear, and minimizes maintenance costs by allowing vehicle travel across the switch without stopping, while maintaining high-speed conveying and reducing space needs.
Implementation Method 1
a turntable (20), rail portions (31, 32, 33, 34) which are arranged on the turntable (20) and define a minimum of two travel pathways
Implementation Method 2
a second travel pathway is defined by curved rail portions (33, 34)
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch for a powered pallet conveyor is provided. The switch comprising (a) a turntable and (b) rail portions which are arranged upon the turntable and define at least a first travel pathway and a second travel pathway, whereby the first travel pathway is defined by straight rail portions and a second travel pathway is defined by curved rail portions, so that the central line of the first travel pathway and the departure lines of the second travel pathway respectively pass through the fulcrum of the turntable.