Dual-Spring Tensioning for Package Conveyor Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveying apparatuses for packages, particularly those filled with pourable food products, lack improvements to enhance the transfer efficiency and reduce the risk of package damage during the conveying process.
Innovation Solution
The conveying apparatus incorporates an intermediate track with an endless belt and a dual-spring tensioning system. The first spring assembly provides a gentle interaction with the first package, while the second spring assembly increases tension for efficient advancement of subsequent packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring assembly is used to tension the endless belt, then the structure is simpler, but the package may be damaged due to excessive tension on the first package
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device is divided into two separate spring assemblies: a first spring assembly that provides gentle tension for the first package, and a second spring assembly that provides increased tension for subsequent packages. This segmentation allows each spring assembly to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and package protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the conveying apparatus are given different tensioning characteristics. The first spring assembly is positioned to interact specifically with the first package to provide gentle tension, while the second spring assembly provides stronger tension for the remaining packages. This local differentiation of tension quality protects vulnerable packages while maintaining efficient conveying.
2Productivity
If the endless belt tension is increased to improve conveying efficiency, then the advancement speed increases, but the first package may be damaged due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The first spring assembly provides preliminary gentle tensioning action for the first package before it enters the conveying apparatus. This preliminary action prepares the package for conveyance without subjecting it to the full tension force that would be applied to subsequent packages, thereby preventing damage while maintaining overall conveying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system is made dynamic through the use of two spring assemblies with different characteristics. The system automatically adapts its tensioning force based on the position and characteristics of packages on the belt, providing softer tension when needed and stronger tension for efficient conveyance of subsequent packages.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the endless belt tension is reduced to protect packages, then the risk of damage decreases, but the advancement efficiency of packages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning function is segmented into two distinct spring assemblies with different force characteristics. The first spring assembly uses lower force to protect the first package, while the second spring assembly uses higher force to maintain efficient advancement of subsequent packages, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and efficiency.
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 ensures a gentle initial interaction with packages, reducing the risk of damage, and subsequently enhances the advancement efficiency by increasing the tension of the endless belt, improving overall conveying performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring assembly configured to determine the spring force of the spring unit when the first package or the first packages of the succession of packages are being fed along the intermediate track
Implementation Method 2
a second spring assembly configured to determine the spring force of the spring unit when at least a second package or the subsequent packages of the succession of packages are being fed along the intermediate track
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying apparatus for advancing packages from an inlet station to an outlet station comprises an intermediate track between the inlet and outlet stations, an endless belt to engage the packages during advancement along at least the track; and a tensioning device to tension the endless belt. The tensioning device comprises a spring unit comprising first and second spring assemblies having first and second pre-loaded spring forces respectively, with the second spring force larger than the first spring force. The conveying apparatus is in a rest configuration in the absence of packages along the track and is in a loaded configuration with plural packages arranged along the track. The first spring assembly determines the spring force of the spring unit when the conveying apparatus is in the rest configuration and the second spring assembly determines the spring force of the spring unit when the conveying is in the loaded configuration.