Movable Linear Conveyor Support for Thermal Warp-Free Path Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermal deformation of movable linear conveyors leads to warping, causing contact and interference with adjacent fixed linear conveyors, which complicates the switching of conveyance paths between them.

Innovation Solution

A conveyance path switching apparatus and method that includes a movable linear conveyor and a conveyor moving unit, with support mechanisms allowing for displacement of the conveyor ends to maintain intervals and prevent contact, using mechanisms like single axis robots and slide guides to guide and support the conveyor in a way that absorbs thermal deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the movable linear conveyor is used to switch conveyance paths between fixed linear conveyors, then conveyance path switching capability is improved, but thermal deformation causes warping and contact with fixed conveyors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance path switching capabilityVSAvoidconveyor stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support mechanism changes the physical state from fixed to movable, allowing the movable linear conveyor to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction by moving in the conveyance direction, thereby preventing warping and contact with fixed conveyors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support mechanism transforms the static fixed support into a dynamic movable support that can adjust its position in the conveyance direction, enabling the system to adapt to thermal deformation while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If one end of the movable linear conveyor is released to prevent contact, then thermal deformation accommodation is improved, but conveyance path switching becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal deformation accommodationVSAvoidconveyance path switching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: one mechanism (first support) handles conveyance path switching by moving the conveyor in the switching direction, while the other mechanism (second support) handles thermal deformation by allowing movement in the conveyance direction, enabling both functions to operate independently without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the movable linear conveyor is fixed at both ends, then structural stability is improved, but thermal deformation causes warping and contact with fixed conveyors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The constraint is extracted by removing one end support in the conveyance direction, allowing the movable linear conveyor to expand and contract freely in response to thermal deformation while maintaining structural stability through the remaining support mechanism that provides guidance in the switching direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Prevents warping of the movable linear conveyor by maintaining intervals with adjacent fixed conveyors, ensuring smooth switching of conveyance paths without interference.

Implementation Method 1

deformation can occur, accompanying heat generation. Particularly, in the fixed linear conveyor mounted on a mounting frame as shown in WO 2021/229781, since elongation and contraction in a longitudinal direction is restrained, there is a case where a warp occurs, accompanying the heat generation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

The other-side support mechanism supports the movable linear conveyor with respect to the second fixed linear conveyor while having an interval between the other end which is an end on the other side of the movable linear conveyor which is positioned at the second position and the second fixed linear conveyor in the conveyance direction, and the other-side support mechanism permits displacement of the other end of the movable linear conveyor toward the other side in the conveyance direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS12570480B2Conveyance path switching apparatus, conveyance system, and conveyance path switching method

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A support mechanism which permits the displacement of an end surface of a movable linear conveyor toward a side in the X direction. The support mechanism supports the end portion of the movable linear conveyor with respect to the end portion of the fixed linear conveyor while having the interval between the end surface of the movable linear conveyor positioned at the facing position or the facing position and the end surface of the fixed linear conveyor in the X direction. Thus, since the interval is between the end surface of the movable linear conveyor and the end surface of the fixed linear conveyor by the support mechanism supporting the movable linear conveyor with respect to the fixed linear conveyor, it is possible to reliably form the interval therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to absorb the displacement of the released end surface.