Universal Framing Channel Bracket for Conveyor Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor systems require flexible attachment points for securing components like wiring conduit and control boxes, but factory-installed options add weight, cost, and are not always necessary, while field-welding methods are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A universal framing channel attachment system that can be field-mounted between side guards without welding, using a U-shaped side guard with a grooved portion and a framing channel with projections and tabs for secure engagement, allowing for various lengths and locations along the conveyor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If factory-installed attachment points are added to the conveyor system, then structural support and component mounting capability are improved, but system weight, material cost, and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidconveyor system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a framing channel member with attachment points and a separate mounting bracket. This allows the conveyor to be supplied without attached components, reducing base weight, while enabling flexible attachment where needed. The framing channel can be installed on the conveyor and components mounted to it as required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framing channel is pre-installed on the conveyor during manufacturing, providing prepared attachment locations. However, the actual mounting brackets and components are not permanently attached until field installation, allowing the conveyor to be delivered in a lighter state while still having attachment capability ready.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If field-welding is used to attach framing channel to conveyor, then attachment flexibility is improved, but installation time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield attachment flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical fastening system using mounting brackets that attach to the framing channel through slots and fasteners. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, grinding, and touch-up painting, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining field attachment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the framing channel and the components to be attached. This intermediary enables secure attachment through mechanical means rather than direct welding, simplifying the installation process while maintaining flexibility in component placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If framing channel is welded in the field, then attachment points can be added at required locations, but additional cost and complex preparation work are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment location flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If factory-installed attachment points are provided at all possible locations, then complete adaptability is achieved, but weight, material usage, and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment coverageVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The framing channel serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement to the conveyor and creates attachment points for various components. This universal component can support different types of attachments at different locations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized attachment features built into the conveyor itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8562241B2Universal framing channel mounting bracket

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 WEBB JERVIS B CO

AI summary

An attachment system for securing conveyor components to a conveyor disposed between a pair of side guards. The side guards are U-shaped and have first and second side guard ends that extend perpendicularly from the opposite ends of a flat wall portion to a distal end. The first side guard end includes a first lip that defines a grooved portion. At least one framing channel extending between flat first and second channel ends is disposed between the first and second side guard ends. The first channel end includes a projection portion that extends from the first channel end to engage to the grooved portion to secure the first channel end adjacent the first side guard end. At least one tab extends outwardly from the second channel end to engage an end guard opening defined in the second side guard end to secure the framing channel to the side guard.