Detachable Conveyor Module Structure for Fast Side Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems in places like grocery stores and airports face cumbersome service and maintenance due to the need to disassemble parts, leading to prolonged downtime and inconvenience, and existing solutions either have gaps that can trap items or require removal for maintenance, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a detachable conveyor module mounted on parallel bars, allowing for easy elevation and sideways access for maintenance or replacement, using a drum motor for simplified operation and adjustable legs for alignment, and lever arms that switch between operational and service modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyor system uses a fixed design with multiple parts, then structural stability is improved, but service and maintenance work becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into modular components: a base structure, removable conveyor belts, and adjustable support legs. This segmentation allows individual parts to be easily removed or adjusted without disassembling the entire system, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs are made adjustable in length and position, allowing the conveyor system to adapt its configuration during maintenance. This dynamic capability enables quick access to internal components while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyor system is disassembled for maintenance, then access to parts needing maintenance is improved, but the system is out of function for longer periods
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is designed as a separate, removable module that can be quickly detached from the base structure. This allows maintenance personnel to access and replace the belt without disassembling other parts of the system, minimizing downtime while providing full access to the belt for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is extracted as a standalone component that can be removed and replaced independently. This extraction approach enables rapid maintenance by allowing the belt to be taken out, serviced or replaced, and reinstalled without affecting the rest of the conveyor system.
3Ease of repair
If removable belt modules are used, then serviceability is improved, but gaps between modules create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is designed as a single continuous piece that spans the entire length of the base structure, eliminating gaps between modular sections. This merging approach maintains safety by preventing items or fingers from being trapped while still allowing the entire belt to be removed as one unit for maintenance.
4Length of moving object
If conveyor belts are made longer for continuous conveyance, then conveyance distance is improved, but weight and complexity of the belt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is divided into multiple sections with adjustable support legs at each section. This allows a long conveyor belt to be supported at multiple points along its length, reducing the span between supports and enabling the use of lighter belt materials while maintaining the ability to convey over long distances.
Data Source
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Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A conveyor system ( 1 ) is disclosed comprising a system framework ( 4 ), a covering ( 5 ) and a conveyor module ( 2 ) comprising a frame ( 10 ), a drive pulley ( 7 ) rotatably supported by the frame, an idler pulley rotatably supported by the frame and a continuous conveyor belt ( 3 ) mounted around the drive pulley and the idler pulley for being rotated when the drive pulley is rotated, the conveyor module and the covering being mounted on the system framework and, when the conveyor system is in an operational mode, the covering being placed adjacent to the conveyor module covering at least the two sides of the conveyor module parallel to the direction of conveyance of the conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor module is detachably mounted on two or more substantially parallel bars ( 15 ) penetrating the frame in such a way that the conveyor module can be removed as a whole from the bars.