Folding Wing Conveyor With Reverse-Knee Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems in retail settings are often labor-intensive and space-constrained, limiting operational efficiency and flexibility due to their fixed configurations and manual handling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A folding wing conveyor system with reverse-knee joints allows sections to fold and extend, providing additional space for docking locations and reducing weight through aluminum and PVC construction, enabling compact storage and flexible use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanized routing arrangement is used to move items, then labor requirements are reduced, but the footprint and space availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor wing is designed with foldable sections that can transition between extended and retracted configurations. The wing includes a first section and a second section that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the conveyor system to dynamically adjust its footprint based on operational needs while maintaining mechanized item movement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor wing is divided into multiple separable sections (first section and second section) that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the system to reduce its overall footprint by folding sections together while still providing sufficient surface area when extended for docking locations
2Weight of moving object
If the conveyor system is made lightweight with aluminum and PVC, then ease of installation and mobility are improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system utilizes composite construction combining aluminum framing with PVC components. This composite material approach achieves an optimal balance between weight reduction for ease of installation and structural strength for operational durability, leveraging the lightweight properties of both materials while maintaining necessary load-bearing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A folding wing for a conveyor is disclosed that can extend to facilitate sorting of items and providing additional space for docking locations. A first and second section each have a conveyor surface; and are coupled with a reverse-knee joint such that, in a folded configuration the conveyor surface of the first section and the conveyor surface of the second section are adjacent, and in an unfolded configuration, the first section conveyor surface and the second section conveyor surface form a contiguous conveyor surface. In some examples, the frame may be made of aluminum, and the rollers made of PVC, in order to reduce weight. In some examples, the folding section may measure approximately two feet by two feet. The folding assembly may drop down for even more space savings, when not in use, and be supported in an extended configuration with a second reverse knee joint.