Flat Top Conveyor Chain Structure for Low Backbend Reversing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor chains suffer from premature wear due to debris lodging and backbend issues, especially when reversing, necessitating improvements to prevent debris entry and minimize backbend for extended chain life and improved operation in both directions.
Innovation Solution
A flat top conveyor chain design featuring toothed and non-toothed links with parallel shoulders and single pin connections, minimizing backbend to less than three degrees and reducing debris entry through tight link spacing, utilizing a single pin design that eliminates the need for lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If spacers are used between links to provide greater air flow, then air flow is improved, but debris can become lodged in between the links causing premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The link design incorporates localized features including a flat top surface on the link body and strategically positioned pin openings that create tight spacing in debris-prone areas while maintaining open structure for air flow. This local quality differentiation allows the chain to achieve both good air flow and debris resistance simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If conventional link designs are used, then the conveyor can operate, but backbend occurs which is not well suited for running the conveyor in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The link design features asymmetric geometry with a flat top surface and specifically positioned pin openings that prevent backbend in one direction while allowing smooth operation in the reverse direction. This asymmetric structure eliminates the backbend issue that plagues conventional symmetric link designs when attempting reverse operation
3Productivity
If conventional conveyor chains are used, then basic conveying function is achieved, but debris enters the conveyor causing premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The flat top surface of the link acts as a shielding surface that deflects debris away from the pin openings and internal chain components. This surface geometry creates a protective barrier that prevents debris from entering the chain mechanism while maintaining full conveying functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor chain having a plurality of toothed links and a plurality of non-toothed links, where the toothed and non-toothed links each include a link body, each having two pin openings for receiving connecting pins adapted for being inserted into the pin openings with interconnecting links to join the links together to form a chain link conveyor. Both the toothed and the non-toothed links have a flat top surface, a first shoulder, and a second shoulder that are parallel with respect to each other and perpendicular to the flat top surface. The toothed links have two downward extending teeth that taper down from the shoulders. The non-toothed links have a flat bottom surface. The toothed links are arranged with abutting shoulders in a row and the non-toothed links are arranged with abutting shoulders in a row, which minimizes backbend of the conveyor chain.