Direction-Changing Roller Chain Conveyor Corner Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems require separate direction-changing units at corners, which occupy space and increase costs, and are inefficient for transferring heavy or large articles.
Innovation Solution
A chain-type conveyor with direction-changing rollers mounted diagonally, utilizing friction to change article direction without separate units, featuring a simple structure for easy assembly and increased friction to prevent article escape, and side rollers to prevent chain slack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate direction-changing units (lifter, conveying device) are provided at corner parts of the conveyor, then the transfer direction of articles can be changed, but the space occupation increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the direction-changing function into the conveyor chain structure itself by installing rollers directly on the chain plates. This eliminates the need for separate direction-changing units at corner parts, thereby reducing space occupation while maintaining the capability to change transfer direction of articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor chain is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only transports articles in straight sections but also changes their direction at corner sections through the rotatable rollers mounted on the chain. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated direction-changing devices.
2Ease of operation
If separate direction-changing units are provided at corner parts, then articles can be transferred in changed direction, but the cost increases due to additional units requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The direction-changing function is combined with the existing conveyor chain structure. The rollers are mounted directly on the chain plates, so the same moving structure performs both transport and direction-changing functions, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor chain system is designed to universally handle both straight-line transport and directional changes at corners through the rotatable rollers, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices and reducing system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If direction-changing rollers are mounted on the chain-type conveyor, then the transfer direction can be changed without separate units, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The direction-changing rollers are segmented and mounted on individual chain plates rather than requiring a completely new direction-changing mechanism. This modular approach allows the rollers to be integrated into the existing chain structure with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their orientation as the chain moves through corner sections. This dynamic design enables space-efficient direction changing while keeping the structural additions minimal.
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
Enables efficient transfer of articles at corners without additional units, reducing costs and optimizing space usage, while improving durability for heavy or large articles and maintaining chain tension.
Implementation Method 1
changing the transfer direction of the article by the rotational force generated by friction between the article and the direction-changing roller
Implementation Method 2
side roller for preventing the slack of a chain
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a chain-type conveyor having a direction-changing roller capable of easily changing the orientation of an article to continuously transfer the article, without using any separate direction-changing unit at a corner part of the conveyor, in the case in which the transfer direction of the article has to be changed during the transfer of the article by a conveyor, thereby reducing a cost of the article and usefully utilizing a limited space. The chain-type conveyor for transferring an article in a straight direction when the chain-type conveyor is driven by driving means includes a plurality of chain plates foldably connected to each other, a pair of brackets each having a lower portion symmetrically fixed to an outer surface of the chain plate in a front/rear direction and an inclined upper portion, and direction-changing rollers rotatably coupled to the brackets in a diagonal direction and changing a transfer direction of the article, which is transferred along a roller-type conveyor and then stopped by a stopper roller rotatably installed to a front portion of the chain-type conveyor, by a rotational force generated by friction between the article and the direction-changing roller.