J-Hook Splice Rods for Quick Conveyor Belt Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor belts require specialized tools and skilled labor for maintenance and repair due to button head or clinched rod ends, leading to increased downtime and resource challenges in a market with decreasing maintenance resources and skill levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a conveyor belt system with pre-formed 'J' shaped hooks on connecting rods and modified link ends with slots and projecting tabs allows for easy splicing and repair by inserting the hooks through slots and securing them with simple tools like pliers, enabling quick assembly and disassembly without the need for welding or complex tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional button head or clinched rod ends are used for conveyor belt construction, then the belt structure is secure and stable, but specialized tools and skilled labor are required for maintenance and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular sections connected by U-shaped links that can be independently manipulated. The rod ends are segmented into separate functional components (J-hook, gripping portion, connecting portion) that enable staged assembly and disassembly operations, allowing maintenance without specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional button heads that require welding or special tools for attachment, the invention inverts the approach by using J-shaped hooks that pass through slots and are secured by bending the link ends backward. This reversal of the attachment mechanism transforms a complex welding operation into a simple mechanical bending action that can be performed with basic tools.
2Strength
If conventional welded rod ends are used, then strong structural connection is achieved, but welding equipment and skilled operators are needed for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical fastening system. The J-shaped hooks engage with the U-shaped link slots, and the connection is secured by mechanically bending the link ends backward to grip the hooks. This substitution eliminates the need for welding equipment while maintaining structural strength through mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped link structure provides self-gripping functionality through its geometry. When the link ends are bent backward, they automatically grip the J-shaped hooks without requiring additional fastening components or complex mechanisms. The structure serves its own fastening function, eliminating the need for separate locking devices or specialized tools.
3Reliability
If traditional rod retention methods are used, then secure rod attachment is achieved, but quick splicing and disassembly cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The J-shaped hooks are pre-formed on the rod ends during manufacturing, and the U-shaped links are pre-shaped with slots positioned to receive these hooks. This preliminary preparation of the connecting components allows for rapid assembly during maintenance operations, as the components are already configured for immediate engagement without requiring on-site forming or shaping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic mechanical connection that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The J-shaped hooks can be inserted through the slots and secured by bending the link ends, allowing the connection to be dynamically adjusted or removed as needed for maintenance operations, significantly reducing splicing time compared to permanent welded joints.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveyor belt system includes a splice rod having a j-shaped hook on each end thereof and a plurality of links for receiving the splice rod therethrough. The links further include a specially modified link end for securing the rods.