Height-Adjustable Belt Buffer for Multi-Level Product Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt buffers with multiple levels face inefficiencies due to the need for deflectors to manage product height and space constraints, limiting capacity and flexibility in handling different product types and speeds.
Innovation Solution
A modular belt buffer system with height-adjustable entry and exit belts, driven by servo motors, allowing direct product transfer without deflectors, enabling flexible operation and increased capacity by adjusting belt heights and speeds across multiple levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If deflectors are used to manage product height in multi-level belt buffers, then product transfer between levels is enabled, but device complexity increases and capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the belt heights adjustable rather than fixed. The entry and exit belts can be dynamically positioned at different heights to match product levels, enabling direct product transfer between multiple levels without requiring mechanical deflectors. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing transfer functionality while eliminating complex deflector mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the height parameter of the belts. The entry and exit belts can be positioned at different vertical levels to accommodate products at various heights across multiple buffer levels. This parameter adjustment enables direct product transfer between levels, replacing the need for deflectors and reducing device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
2Device complexity
If fixed belt heights are used in belt buffers, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different product types and speeds is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static belt height design into a dynamic system where belt heights can be adjusted. The entry and exit belts are capable of vertical movement to match different product levels, enabling the same belt buffer structure to handle various product types and speeds. This dynamic capability provides versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing belts that can perform multiple functions: conveying products horizontally and adjusting vertically to different heights. This multi-functionality allows a single belt buffer system to accommodate various product types, sizes, and speeds, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-height configurations while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple levels of buffer belts are arranged to maximize capacity, then space utilization improves, but the need for deflectors increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling vertical adjustment of entry and exit belts in multi-level buffer configurations. This allows products to be directly transferred between different buffer levels by matching belt heights, eliminating the need for deflector systems even in complex multi-level arrangements. The dynamic height adjustment maintains high buffer capacity while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing belts to adjust their height position. Instead of using deflectors to redirect products between horizontal levels, the system moves belts vertically to create direct transfer paths. This dimensional approach enables efficient multi-level buffering without the mechanical complexity of deflector systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In a belt buffer including a plurality of buffer belts arranged one above the other, receiving edges of the buffer belts at entry and delivery edges of the buffer belts at an exit of the belt buffer are height-adjustable. The buffer belts can include a plurality of belt modules arranged one after the other.