Linear Motion Conveyor with Counter-Weight and Dynamic Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion conveyors are not readily adjustable to change the direction or speed of product movement or stop the product in response to production line needs without stopping the conveyor operation, and they tend to generate excessive noise and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A linear motion conveyor with a drive assembly that imparts reciprocal motion to an elongated conveyor bed, allowing selective movement in opposite directions and stopping the product, using a base frame and counter-weight system with eccentric weights and drive members to adjust the conveyor's operation without deenergizing the drive assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art linear motion conveyors are used to transport fragile goods without damage, then product safety is improved, but the conveyors generate excessive noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counter-weight system where a counter-weight block is connected to the conveyor bed through a link mechanism. As the conveyor bed moves forward to transport products, the counter-weight moves downward, and as the bed returns rearwardly, the counter-weight moves upward. This counter-balances the weight of the conveyor bed, reducing the impact forces and vibrations transmitted to the supporting structure, thereby decreasing noise and vibration while maintaining reliable product transport
2Reliability
If prior art linear motion conveyors are designed for stable operation, then operational reliability is improved, but they are not readily adjustable to change conveying speed, direction, or stop product motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conveyor system dynamically adjustable by providing a moveable motor mount that can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor bed. By changing the position of the motor mount, the operator can adjust the conveying speed, direction, and stopping characteristics without stopping the conveyor operation. The motor can be energized or de-energized to control product motion while the motor mount positioning provides mechanical adjustment of the drive characteristics
3Device complexity
If prior art conveyors are designed with fixed drive assemblies, then structural simplicity is maintained, but they cannot be readily adjusted to accommodate production line changes
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is designed with a motor mount that can be moved to different positions along the conveyor bed while maintaining structural simplicity. The motor mount includes a moveable support structure with positioning mechanisms that allow the motor to be relocated without complex reconfiguration. This dynamic positioning capability enables the conveyor to adapt to different production requirements while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and avoiding the need for multiple fixed drive assemblies
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
Enables flexible and efficient product movement in various directions and stopping capabilities without interrupting operation, reducing noise and vibration, and accommodating production line changes.
Implementation Method 1
a counter-weight mounted on the moveable counter-weight frame, and which is reciprocally moveable therewith
Implementation Method 2
which, when energized, imparts reciprocal motion to the elongated conveyor bed
Implementation Method 3
using a base frame and counter-weight system with eccentric weights and drive members to adjust the conveyor's operation
Data Source
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.