Dual Drive Link Conveyor Chordal Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Single-motor precision link conveyors are limited in length due to increased chain mass exceeding motor torque capability, and they suffer from chordal effects that cause uneven chain velocity and vibration, restricting speed and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A modular link conveyor design with optional dual motor drive and chordal compensation cams to adjust chain velocity, allowing for longer conveyor lengths and reduced vibration by matching velocities at both ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the conveyor length is increased, then the operational capacity is improved, but the chain mass increases beyond the torque capability of the motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capacityVSAvoidchain mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is divided into two separate drive zones, each with its own motor and sprocket. The chain is segmented into two sections, each driven independently, allowing the total conveyor length to exceed what a single motor could handle while maintaining manageable chain mass per drive section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Chordal compensation cams are introduced as intermediary elements between the drive sprockets and the chain. These cams modify the chain velocity profile to compensate for the chordal effect, enabling smoother operation and reducing velocity deviations that would otherwise limit conveyor length and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the conveyor length is increased, then the number of operations is increased, but the velocity deviation at chain ends increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operationsVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The velocity parameter of the chain is actively modified through chordal compensation. The system changes the velocity profile by engaging the chain with cams that adjust the effective radius of the drive, compensating for the velocity variations caused by the chordal effect and maintaining positional accuracy over longer distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single motor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the maximum conveyor length is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive system complexityVSAvoidconveyor length

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the chain velocity is not compensated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vibration and speed limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevelocity compensation complexityVSAvoidvibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system actively addresses mechanical vibration by using chordal compensation cams to smooth out velocity variations. By pre-compensating for the chordal effect, the system reduces the amplitude and frequency of vibrations that would otherwise occur in the chain and surrounding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11731836B1Dual drive link conveyors and methods for chordal compensation

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 THE GILLETTE CO

AI summary

A link conveyor for an assembly machine and methods for chordal compensation in a link conveyor, may include a first upper chordal compensation cam in the upper rail assembly at the first end of the frame to deflect the chain by a first upper variable deflection amount; a first lower chordal compensation cam in the lower rail assembly at the first end of the frame to deflect the chain by a first lower variable deflection amount; and configuring the first upper variable deflection amount and the first lower variable deflection amount to reduce deviation between a first velocity of the chain at the first end of the frame and a second velocity of the chain at the second end of the frame.