Coupler Link Structure for Chain Conveyors in Lateral Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain conveyors in mining machines face challenges in navigating lateral turns and maintaining efficient material transport due to limited articulation and increased wear, especially when traversing complex terrains.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a coupler link with pivotable joints and an oblique gusset reinforcement, allowing for multiple axes of pivoting movement and distributing stress, which enhances the conveyor's ability to navigate turns while reducing wear and resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chain conveyors are used to navigate lateral turns, then the conveyor can transport material, but the components experience increased wear and limited articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is divided into modular links with coupler links that can pivot independently. Each coupler link contains bearing assemblies that allow relative movement between links, enabling the chain to articulate through lateral turns while distributing mechanical stress across multiple pivot points rather than concentrating wear at single locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler links incorporate pivotable joints with bearings that allow dynamic adjustment of link angles. This enables the chain to adapt its configuration to navigate lateral turns and uneven terrain, transforming the rigid structure into a flexible system that can accommodate varying operational conditions without excessive wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupler link allows multiple axes of pivoting movement, then the conveyor can navigate turns more effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bearing assemblies are integrated within a single coupler link structure, combining several pivot functions into one unified component. This merging approach enables multi-axis articulation while avoiding the complexity of separate articulated components, as the bearings work together within the consolidated coupler link design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler link serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects chain links, provides pivotable joints for articulation, supports bearing assemblies for smooth movement, and distributes mechanical loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If the coupler link uses pins and bearings for pivoting, then the wear on components is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler link employs standardized pins and bearings that are uniform in design and material composition. This homogeneity allows for simplified manufacturing processes and easier assembly, as the same components can be produced using identical methods and then integrated into the coupler link structure without requiring complex custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The design specifies particular dimensional parameters and material properties for the pins and bearings that optimize both wear resistance and manufacturability. By carefully selecting and standardizing these parameters, the components achieve reduced wear through proper clearances and material hardness while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes.
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 enables improved navigation through lateral turns, reduces wear on components, and increases the load capacity and service life of the conveyor chain by distributing stress and articulation points, resulting in more efficient material transport.
Implementation Method 1
The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes
Implementation Method 2
The first bearing is positioned adjacent the first end and supports a first pin for pivoting movement about a plurality of axes relative to the first end
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.