Integrated Conveyor Belt Tensioning Device with Precision Threaded Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional belt conveyor tensioning devices are bulky, complex, difficult to access, lack precision, and not suitable for all production sectors due to dust infiltration issues, requiring modifications and special tools, which increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A compact, integrated tensioning device attached to the conveyor frame with a novel mechanism using box-type bodies and threaded screws to adjust the centre distance between the motor and reversing rollers, allowing easy access and high precision tensioning without bulkiness, suitable for use in clean environments like white rooms or food sectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional accessory tensioning devices are used, then the conveyor belt can be tensioned, but the devices become bulky and constructionally complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidconstructional complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning device is integrated directly into the conveyor frame structure, merging the tensioning function with the supporting structure. The box-type bodies are attached to the frame shoulders and house the tensioning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate accessory devices and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning device is divided into modular components: box-type bodies attached to frame shoulders, threaded screws for adjustment, and end elements for roller support. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while reducing the complexity of any single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional tensioning devices are used, then tensioning is achieved, but they are difficult to access and require removal of components or special tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning functionVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The box-type bodies are pre-attached to the frame shoulders with openings that provide direct access to the threaded screws. This preliminary positioning ensures that the tensioning mechanism is accessible from the outside without requiring disassembly of protective covers or specialized tools, enabling easy maintenance and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional tensioning devices are used, then belt tensioning is achieved, but precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning capabilityVSAvoidtensioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical adjustment system uses precision-threaded screws with defined pitch values (e.g., 1.5 mm or 2 mm) that convert rotational motion into precise linear displacement. This allows for accurate control of the center distance between rollers and precise positioning of the belt tensioning point, achieving high tensioning precision through standardized threaded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If traditional tensioning devices are used, then tensioning is achieved, but they cannot be used in clean environments without modifications due to dust infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning functionVSAvoiddust infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The box-type bodies serve as protective enclosures that can be sealed to prevent dust infiltration. The design allows for integration of seals or covers on the box-type bodies, creating a protected environment for the threaded screws and tensioning mechanism, making the device suitable for clean room or food sector applications without requiring additional modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 rapid, precise, and easy tensioning of the conveyor belt, reducing dust infiltration and production costs, while ensuring reliability and ease of maintenance, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded screw (52) longitudinally inserted in a compartment (53) with longitudinal development of one of the opposing shoulders (14) and roto-translatably coupled with a coaxial threaded insert (54) likewise inserted and securely restrained in said longitudinal compartment (53)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3057890B1Tensioning device for conveyor belt
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 COSTR MECCANICHE CRIZAF
  • EP3057890B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3057890B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3057890B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A tensioning device for a conveyor belt (10) used for moving semi-finished or finished products along the lines of production or storage or the like, comprising mechanical means integrated in the structure of a frame (12) of said conveyor belt, provided with a roto-translation movement with manual actuation and co-operating with thrust means with translation movement for adjusting the tension of a moving mat (16) via a change in the centre distance between a reversing roller (20) and a motor roller (18) which subtend said moving mat and are transversely arranged at opposite ends of two opposing and parallel lateral shoulders (14) of the frame (12) of said conveyor belt.