Linear Motion Conveyor With Counterweight Drive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion conveyors are not readily adjustable to change conveying speeds, directions, or stop product movement, leading to noise, vibration, and inefficiencies in production line operations.
Innovation Solution
A linear motion conveyor system with a drive assembly that includes a stationary base, counterweight, and elongated conveyor bed, allowing for adjustable movement directions and speeds through a combination of spring legs, a drive frame, and an eccentric drive unit, enabling the conveyor to move products in opposite directions and stop without stopping the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If prior art linear motion conveyors are used, then product transport function is achieved, but noise and vibration are generated and transmitted to supporting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism where a counterweight assembly is connected to the conveyor bed through linkage mechanisms. As the conveyor bed moves forward to transport products, the counterweight moves in the opposite direction, balancing the dynamic forces and reducing vibrations transmitted to the supporting surface. This directly addresses the noise and vibration issue while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates shock-absorbing elements and damping mechanisms in advance of the problem occurrence. The spring-loaded counterweight assembly and linkage mechanisms are designed to cushion the impact and reduce sudden force transmissions to the supporting structure, thereby reducing noise and vibration before they can be generated and transmitted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art linear motion conveyors are used, then product transport is achieved, but the conveyor is not readily adjustable for different conveying speeds, directions, or stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditionally static conveyor structure into a dynamic, adjustable system. The conveyor bed is connected through linkages to a power transmission mechanism that enables adjustable speed and direction control. The system can be readily adjusted to convey products in opposite directions or to stop motion temporarily without requiring structural redesign, thereby enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the conveyor system with multi-functional capabilities. The same basic structure and power transmission mechanism can accommodate different conveying speeds, directions, and stoppage requirements through adjustment of existing components rather than requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each function. This universal design approach enhances versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If prior art linear motion conveyors are used, then basic conveying function is achieved, but the conveyor cannot be adjusted to stop product movement without stopping the entire operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function from the overall conveyor operation. The power transmission mechanism is divided into controllable sections that can independently adjust or stop product movement on specific segments of the conveyor without affecting the entire system. This allows localized stoppage or speed adjustment while maintaining continuous operation elsewhere, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation of the conveyor system while allowing temporary stoppage or speed reduction of product movement in specific areas. The adjustable power transmission mechanism maintains continuous mechanical engagement, preventing loss of tension or positioning, so that when movement is resumed, it can continue seamlessly without requiring complete system shutdown, thus maintaining productivity while improving operational flexibility.
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
The system reduces noise and vibration, enhances operational flexibility, and maintains continuous tension, allowing for precise control of product movement, including the ability to move products up inclines and adjust speeds without de-energizing the drive assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first end of each of the spring legs being located proximate the stationary base, and a second end of each of the spring legs being located proximate the elongated conveyor bed
Implementation Method 2
a drive assembly which is oriented in predetermined force transmitting relation relative to the elongated conveyor bed, and which, when energized, imparts reciprocal motion to the elongated conveyor bed
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear motion conveyor is described and which includes an elongated conveyor bed having a product transporting surface for supporting and transporting a product between the opposite first and second ends thereof, and a drive assembly oriented in force transmitting relation relative to the elongated conveyor bed, and where the elongated conveyor bed, when reciprocated by the drive assembly is operable to move product alternatively between the opposite ends of the product elongated conveyor bed in a first direction; a second direction; and which is further rendered operable to substantially stop the movement of the product located between the opposite ends of the elongated conveyor bed.