High-angle conveyor sandwich belt design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently conveying materials at high angles without the need for additional transfer equipment and material degradation, especially when a long, low-angle approach or discharge is required before or after the high-angle portion.

Innovation Solution

A high-angle conveyor system comprising a primary conventional belt and two high-angle belts positioned above and below it, allowing the primary belt to seamlessly transition through the high-angle section without the need for transfers, using a narrow belt that can extend indefinitely and maintain material integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional conveyor uses a wider belt to carry the same capacity of material at high angles, then the material capacity is maintained, but the belt width increases and requires additional transfer equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial capacityVSAvoidtransfer equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is segmented into three distinct belt sections: a first conventional belt for low-angle conveying, a second high-angle sandwich belt for elevated conveying, and a third conventional belt for discharge. This segmentation allows each belt to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the need for transfer equipment between different angle sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar conveyor system to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The high-angle sandwich belt is positioned vertically between two conventional belts, creating a multi-layered structure that enables high-angle conveying without requiring additional horizontal space or transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If transfer equipment is added to convey material between conventional and high-angle conveyors, then high-angle conveying is achieved, but power draw increases and material degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-angle conveying capabilityVSAvoidpower draw

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple conveyors into a single integrated system. The first, second, and third belts are connected in series to form a continuous conveying path that transitions smoothly from low-angle to high-angle and back to low-angle conveying, eliminating the need for separate transfer equipment and reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system maintains continuous material flow without interruption or transfer points. The seamless transition between belt sections ensures uninterrupted conveying action, preventing material dropping and degradation while maintaining consistent power draw throughout the entire conveying process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If transfer points are used to lift and drop material between conveyors, then high-angle sections are achieved, but material degradation and dusting occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-angle section integrationVSAvoiddusting and material degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for high-angle conveying in advance by using the first conventional belt to gradually feed material onto the second high-angle sandwich belt at a controlled rate. This preliminary positioning prevents sudden material drops and associated degradation or dusting at transfer points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If a long, low-angle approach or discharge portion is necessary, then material handling is simplified, but additional transfer equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-angle approach and dischargeVSAvoidtransfer equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and third conventional belts serve multiple functions: they provide long low-angle approach and discharge portions for easy material handling, while also serving as the entry and exit points for the high-angle sandwich belt section. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional transfer equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9815627B2High-angle conveyor system

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 DOS SANTOS JOSEPH ANIBAL

AI summary

A high-angle conveyor system is provided. The high-angle conveyor system includes a primary conventional conveyor, a lower high-angle conveyor and an upper high-angle conveyor. The lower high-angle conveyor is disposed within the primary conveyor. Therefore, a portion of the primary conveyor is sandwiched in between the lower high-angle conveyor and the upper high-angle conveyor. Both of the lower high-angle conveyor and the upper high-angle conveyor are disposed at a high angle. Material is transported along the primary conveyor and then transported at a high angle in between the lower high-angle conveyor, the primary conveyor, and the upper high-angle conveyor.