Carrier Basket Support With Dual Cars for Increased Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for transporting food items in restaurants face limitations in weight capacity due to the transfer of load from carrier baskets to a single wheeled car, leading to instability and reduced design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A carrier basket support system that utilizes two cars connected via a pivoting and sliding mechanism, allowing the distance between cars to adjust during curves, with support rollers and a pivoting connection to maintain horizontal orientation and increased load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single car supports the carrier basket, then the device complexity is reduced, but the weight carrying capacity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from a single car to multiple cars. Specifically, the carrier basket is supported by a support structure that is pivotally connected to multiple cars (at least two cars), distributing the load across multiple support points. This segmentation increases weight carrying capacity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular support structure design.
2Device complexity
If the carrier basket is rigidly fixed to the car, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to curves and pathways deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the carrier basket and cars is made dynamic through pivotal connections. The support structure is pivotally connected to multiple cars, allowing it to rotate and adjust its orientation relative to each car as the conveyor follows curved pathways. This dynamic connection enables the carrier basket to adapt to curves while maintaining a stable platform for the load.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cars are merged into a single support unit that carries the carrier basket together. The support structure is pivotally connected to multiple cars simultaneously, creating a unified support system that shares the load and provides combined stability. This merging allows the system to handle curves more effectively than individual car support while distributing complexity across multiple components.
3Device complexity
If the distance between support cars is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability during curve traversal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between support cars is made variable through sliding connections. The support structure includes sliding connections that allow the relative position and distance between the cars to change dynamically as the conveyor traverses curved pathways. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the stability of the carrier basket during curve traversal by adapting the geometry to the curvature of the path.
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 system enhances weight carrying capacity and stability by distributing the load across two cars, accommodating varying angles and curves, while maintaining a horizontal product surface during movement.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier basket support has a support plate connected to the first car via a pivoting connection
Implementation Method 2
connected to the second car by a pivoting and sliding connection such that the first and second cars are pivotable relative to the support plate and a distance between the first car and the second car can change during traversal of curves along the pathway
Implementation Method 3
The connection rollers are engaged in the part circular track such that the carrier basket is pivotable by gravity so the product support surface is maintained generally horizontal during movement of the carrier basket along the pathway
Data Source
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AI summary
A carrier basket support and stabilizing system for a carrier basket having increased weight carrying capacity is provided. The system includes a plurality of cars configured to travel along a pathway, with at least some support groups including two of the cars having a carrier basket support connected thereto. The carrier basket support has a support plate connected to the first car via a pivoting connection and connected to the second car by a pivoting and sliding connection such that the cars can pivot relative to the support plate and a distance between the first and second cars can change during traversal of curves along the pathway. A support connection on the support plate is configured for connection to a mating connection on a back support of the carrier basket to allow pivoting of the carrier basket so its support surface can remain generally horizontal during movement on the pathway.