Infrared Belt Component Bonding Without Adhesives
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting components to conveyor belts, such as drivers, cams, or nozzles, are time-consuming and often fail to ensure a durable adhesive connection, which is problematic for applications requiring high durability.
Innovation Solution
A method using infrared radiation to heat the connection area of the belt and the component, allowing them to be pressed together with mechanical force to create a permanent connection without adhesives, ensuring a secure and efficient attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive bonding is used to connect components to the belt, then the connection can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and the durability of the bond is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the plastic materials by heating them to melting temperature using infrared radiation. This parameter change (from solid to molten state) enables direct bonding without adhesives, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the time-consuming adhesive application and drying process while creating a durable thermal bond between the component and belt
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a thermal-mechanical bonding mechanism (infrared heating followed by pressing). The infrared radiation heats the materials to melting point, and then mechanical pressing forces the molten materials to bond together, eliminating the need for adhesive substances and their associated time delays
2Reliability
If adhesive bonding is used to connect components to the belt, then connection can be achieved, but high durability of the adhesive bond is problematic to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from chemical adhesive bonding to thermal bonding by heating the plastic materials to their melting temperature. This parameter change (temperature increase) creates a direct fusion bond between the component and belt materials, which is inherently more durable and easier to control than adhesive bonds, as the bonding strength directly correlates with the thermal fusion process
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared radiation system automatically heats both the component and belt to the required temperature for bonding. The process is self-regulating through the pressing mechanism that maintains contact between the heated surfaces, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application and ensuring consistent bond durability through the inherent properties of the plastic materials themselves
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
This method provides a simple and secure connection between the belt and components, enhancing durability and reducing the time required for attachment while eliminating the need for adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting side of the component to be joined, intended for connection to the belt, is irradiated with infrared radiation before being placed on the belt, wherein the connecting area on the belt intended for positioning the component is irradiated with infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
the irradiated connecting side of the component is pressed onto the intended irradiated connecting area of the belt with mechanical force
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for equipping a belt with components, in particular with drive lugs, wherein the belt and the components consist at least partially of at least one type of plastic, it is provided that a component to be connected is connected at least on one side to a surface of the belt, wherein at least the connecting side of the component to be connected, intended for connection to the belt, is irradiated with infrared radiation before being placed on the belt, wherein the connecting area on the belt intended for positioning the component is irradiated with infrared radiation, and wherein the irradiated connecting side of the component is pressed onto the intended irradiated connecting area of the belt with mechanical force.A device for applying components to the surface of a belt that are joined to each other is characterized in that the device has at least one conveying device for conveying the belt along its longitudinal extent, wherein the device has at least one infrared radiation source for irradiating the belt and/or the component to be joined, and wherein the device has at least one positioning device for positioning the component to be joined.