Electroconductive Modular Belt with Segmented Plug Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of electroconductive modular belts used for conveying goods and people, due to the expensive materials required for sufficient static electricity dissipation, especially in applications with larger module sizes where a dense arrangement of conductive modules is necessary.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electroconductive plug inserts made from materials like polypropylene or polyacetal into standard plastic belt modules, which can be snapped, glued, screwed, or molded into place, ensuring effective static electricity dissipation at a lower cost by reducing the need for entirely conductive modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electroconductive materials such as electroconductive polyacetal or electroconductive polypropylene are used to produce belts, then sufficient electroconductivity for static electricity dissipation is achieved, but the cost increases significantly (two to three times the cost of standard plastic materials)
Solution Approach 1:
The belt is divided into standard plastic modules and electroconductive modules. The electroconductive modules are segmented components that can be selectively positioned within the belt structure, allowing only specific portions to provide electroconductivity rather than requiring the entire belt to be made from expensive electroconductive material.
Solution Approach 2:
Electroconductivity is applied locally at specific modules rather than uniformly across the entire belt. The electroconductive modules are strategically positioned to provide sufficient static electricity dissipation while minimizing the total amount of expensive electroconductive material used.
2Reliability
If a dense arrangement of electroconductive modules is used in mixed module patterns, then sufficient electroconductivity is guaranteed for larger module sizes, but the cost of the belt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroconductive modules serve multiple functions: they provide electroconductivity for static electricity dissipation, maintain the structural integrity of the belt, and enable modular assembly with standard plastic modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and minimizes the overall cost.
3Reliability
If the distance between electroconductive modules is reduced to guarantee contact inside the surface size of a standard shoe, then sufficient electroconductivity is achieved, but the density of electroconductive modules increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than providing continuous electroconductivity across the entire belt surface, the invention uses partial action by positioning electroconductive modules at intervals that are sufficient to handle typical static electricity discharge requirements. This approach provides adequate electroconductivity without the excessive cost of complete coverage.
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 solution reduces the overall cost of the belt while maintaining sufficient electroconductivity, allowing for customizable electroconductivity levels based on specific applications by using interchangeable electroconductive plugs attached to standard plastic modules.
Implementation Method 1
With the use of conductive materials, static electricity can be discharged through the belt to the metal frame of the machine
Data Source
AI summary
A modular belt having plug-inserts produced from electroconductive material. The plugs may be snapped into respective holes that are preformed or machined in a standard plastic belt module. The modules may be produced from low cost materials such as polypropylene or polyacetal. The electroconductive plugs may be attached to the belt in numerous ways including, but not limited to, snap fit, gluing, screwing or direct integration by molding.