Inclined Flexible Elements Prevent Rebound on Conveyor Belts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts in sorting units, such as those used for fruits and vegetables, face issues with objects rebounding and overlapping due to the impact of falling objects, which complicates sorting, especially in automatic sorting processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible elements inclined downwards above the conveyor belts, forming a non-return valve system that adapts to the length and mass of falling objects, preventing rebound and ensuring smooth transport, along with a synchronized conveyor system and an oscillating flange to manage object alignment and simultaneous dropping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If objects fall onto the conveyor belt from the roller conveyor, then the objects are transported in a different direction at high speed, but the objects rebound and lose orientation/alignment causing overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a row of flexible elements as an intermediary component between the falling objects and the conveyor belt. These elements act as a mediator that absorbs the impact energy and guides objects smoothly onto the belt without rebound, maintaining their orientation and alignment while enabling high-speed transport in a different direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elements are positioned above the conveyor belt to provide cushioning before objects actually contact the belt surface. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful rebound effect by gradually decelerating falling objects and directing them onto the belt in a controlled manner, preserving their alignment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping devices are equipped below the conveyor belt surface, then some rebound prevention is achieved, but weight and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a row of flexible elements that can bend and deform to absorb impact energy. These flexible elements replace complex mechanical damping devices with a simpler, more elegant solution based on material flexibility, reducing both weight and mechanical complexity while effectively preventing rebound.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing damping devices below the conveyor belt as in conventional solutions, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the flexible elements above the belt surface. This inversion allows the flexible elements to directly interact with falling objects before they contact the belt, providing rebound prevention with simpler mechanics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flexible elements of different lengths are used, then objects of various diameters can be retained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using flexible elements of different lengths at different positions in the row. Each element's length is optimized for objects of specific diameters, creating a gradient that adapts to various object sizes. This localized differentiation provides versatility while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elements are designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt their effective length and positioning based on the size and characteristics of falling objects. This dynamic behavior enables the same structure to handle objects of various diameters without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
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 effectively prevents object rebound and overlap, allowing for precise alignment and high-speed transport of objects in a single file, facilitating efficient automatic sorting and inspection.
Implementation Method 1
flexible elements... inclined downwards, so as to present less mechanical resistance downwards than upwards
Implementation Method 2
the flexible elements being able to move with the object during its transport on the conveyor belt, thus avoiding braking them
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (4) for receiving falling objects (5) and for conveying said objects (5) in a direction substantially differing from the vertical, comprising a set of conveyor belts (7) in the conveying direction, and one or more flexible elements (9) attached alongside and at a certain distance above said at least one conveyor belt (7). These flexible elements (9), which may for example be brushes arranged on a brush belt, are inclined downwardly so as to offer a smaller mechanical resistance to a downwardly directed force than to an upwardly directed force. Thus, the flexible elements (9) allow objects (5) falling towards the surface of the conveyor belts (7) to pass through but effectively prevent them from rebounding upwardly.