Elastomeric Draw Belt Conveyor for Glass Sheet Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet belt conveyors face issues with clogging due to dust and coolant contamination, leading to increased maintenance needs, high suction air consumption, and weakening of the draw belt, especially when recesses are fully open.
Innovation Solution
A glass sheet belt conveyor with a powered draw belt and suction retaining means featuring a hollow body with an elastically deformable portion that forms a variable-volume chamber connected to a suction source, isolating suction holes from contaminants and maintaining a flat surface for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recesses are formed through the draw belt to enable suction retention, then the conveyor can secure glass sheets effectively, but the recesses become clogged with dust and coolant chips requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric draw belt that dynamically adapts its surface geometry. When a glass sheet is present, the belt deforms to conform to the sheet's bottom surface, creating effective suction retention. When no sheet is present, the belt returns to its original flat configuration, preventing dust and chips from accumulating in recesses and eliminating clogging issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and geometry of the draw belt surface based on operational conditions. The elastomeric material allows the belt to transition between a flat state (when idle) and a deformed state with suction recesses (when a sheet is present), thereby maintaining retention capability while avoiding contamination problems.
2Reliability
If multiple recesses are provided on the draw belt for sheet retention, then suction retention is improved, but air consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric draw belt dynamically creates suction recesses only when needed - that is, when a glass sheet is present on the conveyor. The belt deforms to match the sheet's geometry, forming suction zones precisely where required. When no sheet is present, the belt remains flat and no suction is activated, thereby eliminating unnecessary air consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the presence of the glass sheet itself to trigger the formation of suction recesses. The sheet's weight and geometry automatically cause the elastomeric belt to deform and create the necessary suction zones, eliminating the need for continuously activated suction systems or complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If openings are provided in the draw belt for suction, then sheet retention is achieved, but the draw belt strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the physical state of the draw belt from a rigid structure with permanent openings to a flexible elastomeric material that dynamically forms suction zones. This eliminates the need for actual openings or recesses through the belt, maintaining the belt's structural integrity and strength while achieving effective sheet retention through surface deformation.
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 solution prevents clogging, reduces air consumption, and maintains the conveyor's sheet retaining capacity with reduced maintenance needs, while the reinforced draw belt withstands load changes without weakening.
Implementation Method 1
defining, with said main supporting surface, a variable-volume chamber connectable to a suction source
Implementation Method 2
comprises at least one elastically deformable portion facing and spaced apart from said main supporting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A powered draw belt of a belt conveyor for conveying glass sheets has a main supporting surface, and is fitted with a suction retaining device for securing a glass sheet to the draw belt; the retaining device having at least one hollow body at least partly covering the main supporting surface; the hollow body defining a supporting surface for the glass sheet, and having at least one elastically deformable portion spaced apart from the main supporting surface to define, with the main supporting surface, a variable-volume chamber connectable to a suction source.