Gravity Conveyor Track With Parallel Transport Areas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity roller conveyors are limited in their usability due to the requirement of a substantially flat bearing surface, making them unsuitable for diverse objects, particularly EU standard pallets and roll containers, which necessitate different handling and conveyor system designs, increasing operational effort.
Innovation Solution
A gravity conveyor track with multiple parallel transport areas, each equipped with different transport means such as endless belts, rollers, or sliding elements, allowing for the transportation of both self-propelled and non-self-propelled carriers, including roll containers and EU standard pallets, with adjustable braking and identification systems for efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gravity roller conveyor is designed with a substantially flat bearing surface, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for different objects is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with multiple transport areas that can handle different types of carriers (EU standard pallets, roll containers, boxes) simultaneously. Each transport area can be independently configured with different transport means (rollers, belts, sliding elements) to accommodate specific carrier types, making the system universal and multi-functional without requiring separate conveyor systems for each carrier type.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor track is divided into multiple independent transport areas, each capable of being configured differently. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for specific carrier types while maintaining overall system simplicity. The transport means in each area can be independently selected and adjusted based on the carrier requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different handling means are provided for different carriers, then the handling capability is improved, but the operational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transport areas with different transport means are merged into a single integrated conveyor system. This allows different carrier types to be handled simultaneously on the same conveyor track without requiring separate handling operations. The system combines roller conveyors, belts, and sliding elements in one unified structure, reducing operational effort by eliminating the need to switch between different conveyor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional aspect by arranging transport areas in parallel and at different levels. Transport areas are positioned at different heights and orientations, allowing diverse carriers to be accommodated simultaneously without interfering with each other's movement. This spatial arrangement simplifies operation by allowing carriers to be directed to appropriate transport areas based on their type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel transport areas are provided, then the versatility for different carriers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple parallel transport areas are designed with universal characteristics, where each area can handle various carrier types through standardized interfaces and configurable transport means. This universality allows the system to achieve high versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same basic structure can be replicated and adapted for different carrier requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transport means (rollers, belts, sliding elements) are applied locally in specific transport areas based on the requirements of carriers that need to be handled in those areas. This localized differentiation allows the system to achieve versatility only where needed, rather than making the entire system complex, maintaining simplicity in areas where uniform handling is sufficient.
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
Enables variable and efficient use of the conveyor system for different types of carriers, reducing handling effort and ensuring safe transport by accommodating various dimensions and types of objects on a single system.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity conveyor with a transport track, which is arranged inclined to the horizontal and includes transport means, so that carriers or goods that can be arranged on the transport track can be moved by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a gravity conveyor with a transport track which is arranged inclined to the horizontal and comprises transport means (5, 7, 10, 12, 14) such that carriers which can be arranged on the transport track are moved by gravity, wherein the transport track is arranged such that at least first, self-propelled carriers (2) with wheels on their underside and at least second, non-self-propelled carriers (3) with support surfaces on their underside can be transported simultaneously on the gravity conveyor, wherein the carriers are arranged with their undersides aligned to the transport track.