Fluid Projection Mechanism for Conveyor Belt Item Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Belt conveyor systems face challenges in transferring deformable items, such as food, without damaging them, due to adhesion issues and changes in conveyor belt direction, which can apply undesirable forces on fragile items.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor system equipped with a fluid projection mechanism that provides a lifting force to items as they approach the end of the conveyor belt, counteracting gravity and maintaining their trajectory, thereby preventing damage and adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a conveyor belt changes direction at the output end to return to the input end, then the conveyor belt can continuously cycle and convey items, but the change in direction applies undesirable forces on fragile items that can damage them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor belt continuous operationVSAvoiddamage to fragile items

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fluid projection mechanism (water jet or air blast) is introduced as an intermediary between the conveyor belt and the item. The fluid provides a lifting force that counteracts gravity and the downward force from the belt's directional change, allowing the item to pass through the transition point without contact forces that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical contact-based conveyor belt system is supplemented with a non-contact fluid projection mechanism. Instead of relying solely on mechanical forces from the belt, the system uses fluid dynamics (water jet or air blast) to provide the necessary lifting force, replacing harmful mechanical interaction with a gentler fluid-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If food items adhere to porous conveyor belts during transport, then the items can be conveyed effectively, but transferring items from one conveyor to another becomes more challenging due to adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem conveyance reliabilityVSAvoiditem transfer between conveyors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a fluid projection mechanism (water jet or air blast) to interact with the adhered item. The fluid pressure and flow are controlled to lift the item from the porous belt without requiring mechanical scraping or lifting mechanisms that would be complex and damaging. The fluid dynamically overcomes the adhesion forces through pressure and flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the fluid (pressure, flow rate, timing) to match the adhesion characteristics of different food items. By adjusting these parameters, the fluid can effectively overcome adhesion forces for various types of food items, making the transfer process adaptable and reliable across different products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If water jet ligaments are used for portioning food items on a porous belt, then precise portioning can be achieved, but the ligaments can become lodged in the openings of the porous conveyor belt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood portioning precisionVSAvoidconveyor belt blockage issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts or removes the problematic water jet ligaments from the conveyor belt area after they have served their portioning function. The fluid projection mechanism is positioned and controlled to apply fluid only where needed for lifting, avoiding the area where ligaments could become lodged, thus separating the portioning function from the conveyance path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential ligament lodging by using a fluid projection mechanism that can create a cushioning effect. The fluid flow is timed and positioned to prevent ligaments from becoming trapped in the porous belt openings, cushioning against the potential blockage issue before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 fluid projection mechanism reduces the risk of damage to items by controlling the forces acting on them during transfer, ensuring a smoother transition between conveyor assemblies and minimizing contact forces that could harm fragile items.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid projection mechanism, the fluid jet being arranged to provide a fluid suitable for providing a lifting force to a conveyed object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

one or more streams of fluid are introduced, that lift the item as the item approaches the end of the conveyor assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid stream impact: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS11897703B2Conveyor system and method

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 VALKA EHF

AI summary

A conveyor system, comprising a first conveyor assembly having: an input end; an output end; and a conveyor belt arranged to convey an object from the input end toward the output end in a direction of travel. The conveyor system comprises a fluid projection mechanism, the fluid projection mechanism being arranged to provide a fluid suitable for providing a lifting force to a conveyed object as the conveyed object passes over the fluid projection mechanism.