Conveyor Belt Vacuum Stabilization for Unsteady Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts with embedded rollers often cause conveyed objects to be unsteady, leading to shifting or falling, as the rollers fail to provide adequate support during conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A sorting conveyor system that employs vacuum chambers connected to vacuum generators to create selective vacuum zones above the conveyor belt, stabilizing objects by pulling them against the belt using activators integrated with the rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conveyor belts with embedded rollers are used to propel conveyed objects, then the objects can be moved in a desired direction, but the objects become unsteady and may shift or fall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a vacuum system to create negative pressure zones that press conveyed objects against the conveyor belt. Vacuum chambers with selectively activatable vacuum generators create suction forces that stabilize objects on the belt surface, preventing shifting and falling while the belt moves objects in the desired direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system is activated in advance when objects need stabilization, creating a preparatory holding force before potential instability occurs. The selective activation of vacuum chambers ensures that stabilization is applied proactively at critical locations and moments during conveyance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vacuum generators are continuously activated to stabilize objects, then object stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system transitions from a static continuous operation to a dynamic selective operation. Individual vacuum chambers can be independently activated or deactivated based on the presence and position of objects, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption to actual stabilization needs rather than operating at constant high energy levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum generators are activated periodically or intermittently rather than continuously, only when objects are present in specific zones and stabilization is required. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining object stability during critical conveyance phases.
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 vacuum system effectively stabilizes conveyed objects during conveyance, sorting, and transitions, reducing the likelihood of objects shifting or falling while conserving energy by only activating the vacuum when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
Each vacuum chamber is coupled to a vacuum generator, which selectively generates a vacuum in the associated vacuum chamber to pull articles being conveyed against the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 2
A sorting conveyor employs suction to stabilize products on a conveyor belt employing article-supporting rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting conveyor employs suction to stabilize products on a conveyor belt. The sorting conveyor comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of embedded rollers for moving conveyed objects relative to the conveyor belt. A vacuum chamber below the conveyor belt houses activators for the rollers and selectively creates a vacuum zone above the conveyor belt for pulling objects on the conveyor belt.