Goods Pusher Insert With Modular Profile Rails for Flexible Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goods feed systems for automatic product transport are inflexible and costly, requiring extensive material and assembly complexity, with a need for a more efficient and cost-effective solution that allows for adjustable width and length.
Innovation Solution
The use of independently attachable profile rails instead of an outer housing for fixing transport rollers on a roller carrier, allowing for flexible width and length adjustments, reduced material usage, and simplified assembly through positive locking and deformation of the profile rails, which can be made of lightweight materials like aluminum and plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an outer housing is used to fix transport rollers on a roller carrier, then the structure provides stability and support, but the device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is divided into two separate profile rails that can be independently attached to the roller carrier. Each profile rail is fixed separately using individual fixing elements, eliminating the need for a single complex housing structure and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing elements are extracted as separate, reusable components that can be independently attached and detached from the profile rails and roller carrier. This allows for simplified assembly and disassembly without requiring complex integrated housing structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an outer housing is used to fix transport rollers, then structural support is provided, but material costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous outer housing is segmented into two separate profile rails, reducing the total material required. The profile rails can be made from lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic, significantly reducing material consumption and weight compared to a traditional housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing continuous support through a full housing, structural support is provided locally at critical points where the profile rails contact the roller carrier and where fixing elements are positioned. This localized support approach reduces material usage while maintaining necessary stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional housing structure is used, then the width and length are fixed, but the adaptability to different shelf configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder insert dimensions become dynamic rather than fixed. The profile rails can be attached at different positions on the roller carrier, and the entire assembly can be adjusted to accommodate various shelf widths and lengths. This modular approach allows the same components to serve multiple dimensional configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented profile rail design allows independent positioning and adjustment of each rail, enabling flexible configuration of the feeder insert dimensions. The profile rails can be spaced at different intervals and attached at various locations to match different shelf specifications.
4Reliability
If screws or adhesives are used to fix fixing elements to profile rails, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing elements are designed to self-attach to the profile rails through deformation of the rail material itself. The profile rails are formed with features that allow the fixing elements to be clipped or pressed into place without requiring external fasteners, tools, or adhesives, thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile rails are designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that enable elastic deformation during assembly. The rails can be temporarily deformed to accept fixing elements and then return to their original shape, creating a secure mechanical interlock without requiring additional fastening materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a goods feed insert (1) for a goods feed system for the automatic transport of goods arranged along the goods feed insert in a conveying direction B to a visible edge (2) of a shelf equipped with the goods feed system, with the following features: - a set of roller carriers (3 ) transport rollers (4) mounted transversely to the transport direction B, - two profile rails (5,6) that can be attached independently of one another on opposite sides of the roller carrier for fixing the transport rollers on the roller carrier, - a first fixing element (7) that can be attached to a visible edge of the roller carrier for fixing of the profile rails and - a second fixing element (8) which can be attached to the roller carrier opposite the first fixing element (7) for fixing the profile rails.