Lateral Guide Roller Support for Trough Conveyor Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing and removing lateral guide rollers on trough conveyors are cumbersome and require additional equipment, posing safety risks and necessitating multiple personnel due to the high pressure exerted by the conveyor belt, even when empty.
Innovation Solution
A lateral guidance device with a support system that allows the guide roller to be easily mounted and dismounted by unlocking and retracting a movable part of the support, using a locking mechanism and a retaining element to hold the roller in a disassembled position without lifting or rotating it, enabling single-person operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide roller is mounted on a fixed support, then the lateral guidance function is stable, but the installation and removal process is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is transformed from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic one where the first support element can pivot between an operational position (supporting the guide roller) and a retracted position (clear of the roller). This dynamic capability enables easy installation and removal while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate elements: a fixed second support element and a movable first support element. This segmentation allows the first element to be independently positioned and retracted, simplifying the guide roller installation and removal process while the fixed second element maintains overall structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyor belt is under tension, then the belt maintains its trough shape, but the pressure on the guide roller makes installation and removal difficult and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The first support element is retracted to a clear position before the guide roller is installed or removed. This preliminary retraction eliminates the hazardous pressure from the tensioned conveyor belt, allowing safe single-person operation. The element is then returned to its operational position after the roller is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support element acts as an intermediary that can be positioned to either apply support (creating pressure) or be retracted (eliminating pressure). This intermediary capability allows the system to transition between states of high force and ease of operation, enabling safe maintenance procedures.
3Reliability
If additional equipment and personnel are used for installation and removal, then safety is improved, but the complexity and time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to enable single-person operation for guide roller installation and removal. The movable first support element can be easily retracted and positioned by one operator, eliminating the need for additional personnel or specialized equipment while maintaining safe operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support element is retracted to a clear position before the guide roller is installed or removed, eliminating hazardous pressure conditions. This preliminary safety preparation enables single-person operation without requiring additional safety equipment or personnel, reducing both time and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The lateral guiding device comprises a support (10) and an idle guide roller (11) which is able to be mounted in a removable manner on the support (10) between a first part (101) making it possible, in an operational position, to support one end (111) of the axle of the roller (11) at an upper point, and a second part (102) making it possible to support the other end (111) of the axle of the roller (11) at a lower point. The first part (101) of the support is movable between the operational position and a retracted position. The support (10) comprises a retaining element (104) which, when the first part (101) is in the retracted position and does not support the roller (11), has the function of vertically retaining the roller (11) in a removal position in which the second end (111) of the axle of the roller (11) is supported at the lower point by the second part (102).