Externally Mounted Support Columns for Conveyor Vibration Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems in product inspection apparatuses face challenges in suppressing vibrations, leading to inaccurate weight measurements and hygiene issues, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where traditional support structures with resin-filled beams are cumbersome and difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single support beam with externally mounted resilient support columns to dampen vibrations, combined with an open-box structure for easy cleaning and a removable waterproof outer jacket for electric motors, addresses the need for vibration suppression and hygiene compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resin-filled support beams are used to suppress vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional elements: a simple support beam and distinct vibration suppression devices (elastomeric dampers) that are externally mounted. This segmentation allows the beam to remain structurally simple while the dampers provide the necessary vibration damping without requiring the beam itself to be complex or filled with resin.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration suppression function is extracted from the support beam structure itself and implemented as separate, externally mounted elastomeric dampers. This extraction allows the support beam to maintain its structural simplicity while the dampers independently handle the vibration damping requirement, avoiding the need for resin-filled beams.
2Measurement precision
If resin-filled support beams are used to suppress vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and cleaning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional elements: a simple support beam and distinct vibration suppression devices (elastomeric dampers) that are externally mounted. This segmentation allows the beam to remain structurally simple while the dampers provide the necessary vibration damping without requiring the beam itself to be complex or filled with resin.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration suppression function is extracted from the support beam structure itself and implemented as separate, externally mounted elastomeric dampers. This extraction allows the support beam to maintain its structural simplicity while the dampers independently handle the vibration damping requirement, avoiding the need for resin-filled beams.
3Strength
If traditional support structures with enclosed beams are used, then structural integrity is improved, but hygiene and ease of cleaning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enclosing the vibration suppression mechanism within the beam structure (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by externally mounting the elastomeric dampers to the beam. This inversion creates an open, accessible structure that is easy to clean while maintaining structural integrity through the external damper arrangement.
4Measurement precision
If multiple fixtures and support beams are used to suppress vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and loss of time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional elements: a simple support beam and distinct vibration suppression devices (elastomeric dampers) that are externally mounted. This segmentation allows the beam to remain structurally simple while the dampers provide the necessary vibration damping without requiring the beam itself to be complex or filled with resin.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric dampers are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the need for complex, time-consuming resin filling operations. This approach prioritizes quick assembly and ease of maintenance over permanent, complex structural solutions.
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
This configuration effectively minimizes vibrations and facilitates easy cleaning, enhancing the accuracy of weight measurements and maintaining hygiene standards while reducing downtime and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The transport conveyor is mounted to the support beam by at least one support column externally mounted to the support beam such that vibrations are suppressed by the at least one externally mounted support column
Data Source
AI summary
A product inspection apparatus includes a conveyor system for transporting items. The conveyor system includes a weigh conveyor with a load detector for detecting the weight of items transported on the conveyor system and a transport conveyor adjacent the weigh conveyor. The apparatus also includes a support structure with a support beam. The transport conveyor is mounted to the support beam by at least one support column externally mounted to the support beam such that vibrations are suppressed by the at least one externally mounted support column.