Lifting Frame Conveyor Rollers for Glass Plate Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor devices for transporting large glass plates in solar module production are expensive due to numerous separate conveyor belts, require interruptions in the first conveyor section, and struggle to adapt to glass plates of different sizes, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in supporting the glass plates over their entire width.

Innovation Solution

The use of conveyor rollers with a simpler structure, driven by a single electric motor via separate traction means, which can move transversely between conveyor belts, and equipped with O-rings for support and friction, allowing for flexible adaptation to different glass plate sizes and continuous operation without interrupting the first conveyor section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate conveyor belts are used to transport large glass plates, then the glass plates can be supported over their entire width, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidnumber of conveyor belts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting frame is divided into multiple lifting units, each equipped with its own lifting device. This segmentation allows independent control of different sections of the conveyor system, enabling precise support adjustment for glass plates of varying sizes while reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate conveyor belts throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting frame is made dynamically adjustable through multiple lifting devices that can independently change the position of lifting units along the conveying direction. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different glass plate sizes and support requirements without requiring a fixed complex structure with numerous permanent conveyor belts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a lifting frame is placed in the crossing area to transfer glass plates between conveyor lines, then transfer functionality is achieved, but the first conveyor section must be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer functionalityVSAvoidconveyor continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting frame is designed with multiple lifting units that can perform multiple functions: transferring glass plates between conveyor lines, supporting glass plates during transport, and adjusting to different plate sizes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transfer devices that would interrupt the conveyor flow, as the lifting frame itself handles all transfer operations continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conveyor belts are used in the crossing area, then they can transport glass plates, but they bend severely under the load and cannot adapt to different glass plate sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidadaptation to different sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting units on the lifting frame can be independently positioned along the conveying direction, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration for different glass plate sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the static conveyor belts that cannot adapt, while maintaining reliable transport through controlled lifting and positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces costs, simplifies assembly, and effectively supports glass plates over their entire width, enabling efficient transfer of glass plates of varying sizes without interrupting the conveyor line, while maintaining parallel conveying levels across sections.

Implementation Method 1

a separate pneumatic lifting device is arranged in each of the four corner areas of the lifting frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Implementation Method 2

The conveyor rollers are provided with O-rings which can be brought into driving engagement with the conveyed goods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2557059B1Convoyeur comprenant une unité transversale de levage avec rouleaux de transport
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2557059B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2557059B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2557059B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device (10) has two conveying paths (11, 12) comprising respective conveyor belts (31) that define a conveying plane. A transfer device (40) is arranged in an intersection area between the paths, and comprises a lifting frame (41) moved perpendicular to the plane. The frame extends over entire breadth of the conveying paths, and a conveying unit is arranged on the frame such that goods are rerouted from one of the paths to another path. The belts cross the frame without interrupting the former path. The conveying unit has conveying rollers (60) that are arranged parallel to the belts.