Conveyor Table Quick-Release Bearing for Tool-Free Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices with conveyor belts face challenges in being structurally simple, easy to clean, and requiring minimal maintenance, particularly in removing and replacing conveyor components without complex tools or additional frames.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a two-part bearing system for the transport and deflection rollers, featuring a quick-release mechanism that allows manual separation and secure connection, along with a tension lock system to ensure stable operation and easy maintenance, and an integrated motor drive that can be positioned for space efficiency and reduced mass, facilitating the use of a pivoting conveyor table for weight determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a removable conveyor table is implemented for cleaning and maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into two separate parts that can be detached from each other, allowing the conveyor table to be removed for cleaning while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The first bearing part remains connected to the conveyor frame while the second bearing part can be detached.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-release fastener acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two bearing parts, enabling easy manual separation and secure connection without requiring complex tools or additional frames. The fastener mediates the connection and detachment process.
2Ease of operation
If a quick-release fastener is used to detach bearing parts manually, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential connection instability
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release fastener is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The fastener enables the user to quickly detach and reattach the bearing parts through simple manual action.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions between a locked connected state during operation and an unlocked detached state for maintenance. The quick-release mechanism allows dynamic switching between these states while maintaining secure connection when engaged.
3Measurement precision
If the conveyor table mass is reduced for improved load cell sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but strength may worsen due to lighter construction
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor is extracted from the conveyor table and mounted on the conveyor frame instead. This removes the motor mass from the conveyor table, reducing its total mass and improving load cell sensitivity while the motor continues to drive the transport roller through the bearing mechanism.
4Device complexity
If the bearing is designed as a single integrated piece, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair worsens due to difficulty in accessing and removing components
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is segmented into two detachable parts that can be separated through the quick-release fastener. This segmentation allows easy access to the conveyor table for cleaning and maintenance while keeping the overall structure relatively simple compared to multi-frame designs.
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 solution enables a mechanically secure, easy-to-clean, and low-maintenance transport device that can be easily disassembled and reassembled without tools, with a reduced conveyor table weight for improved load cell sensitivity and efficient operation in sorting and weighing applications.
Implementation Method 1
The tension lock connects the two bearing parts via a spring-loaded clamp
Implementation Method 2
The latch lock connects the two bearing parts via a spring-loaded latch
Implementation Method 3
The toggle lock connects the two bearing parts via a spring-loaded toggle
Implementation Method 4
The toggle fastener has a resilient clip and a clip for tightening the clip
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a driven conveyor belt including conveying tables (12, 13) detachable by a fixed conveyor frame (17). The conveying tables include an endless belt that is guided by a driven feed roller (14) and/or guide roller (15). The conveyor frame includes two-part bracket (3) for holding the feed roller and/or guide roller, where two-part bracket is opened by a quick-acting closure (33) for removing the conveying tables by separating both bearing parts. The quick-acting closure is formed as manually opened-fastener, bolt fastener or toggle fastener.