Magnetic Support-Strip Bar Conveyor for Precise Rod Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveying devices for metal rods in mesh welding systems fail to achieve precise positioning and high conveying capacity simultaneously, particularly when handling reinforcing steel bars with rough surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A bar conveyor device with a conveying means featuring spaced deflection stations, traction means, and support strips with magnets, designed to securely hold and position metal rods, ensuring accurate placement and robust construction for efficient conveying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional conveyors are used for metal rods, then the conveying capacity is maintained, but precise positioning of the metal rods cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidconveying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor is divided into multiple support strips (at least three) spaced along the conveying direction, with each strip containing magnets for positioning. This segmentation allows independent positioning control of different rod groups while maintaining high conveying capacity through parallel support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Magnets are embedded in specific regions of the support strips at predetermined positions to create localized magnetic fields. This enables precise positioning of metal rods at specific locations while the overall conveyor structure maintains high throughput capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If support bars deflect in the region of deflection stations, then the conveyor can navigate turns, but metal rods are lifted and displaced from their vertical position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor flexibilityVSAvoidvertical positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support strips are pre-positioned and rigidly connected to the traction means, creating a stable platform before the deflection occurs. This preliminary stabilization prevents rod displacement during the deflection process at the deflection stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support strips act as intermediary elements between the deflecting traction means and the metal rods. They absorb and distribute the forces during deflection, preventing direct transmission of disruptive forces to the rods and maintaining vertical positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If magnets are distributed on support strips, then precise positioning of metal rods is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple magnets are integrated into single support strips, combining positioning functions into unified structural elements. The support strips themselves serve as both structural support and magnet mounting platforms, reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support strips perform multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the rods, serve as mounting structures for magnets, and maintain spatial relationships between multiple rods. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving precise positioning.

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

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 device enables precise positioning and efficient conveying of reinforcing steel bars, offering advantages in manufacturing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and long service life, particularly for bars with rough surfaces, while maintaining robustness and synchronizing the movement of metal rods.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnet for fixing the metal bars is formed in at least three of the support strips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3715008B1Bar conveyor device for transporting metal bars
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 APILION MASCH SERVICES GMBH
  • EP3715008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715008B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715008B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a rod conveying device (6) for conveying metal rods (5), in particular reinforcing steel rods, with a conveying means (9) comprising a first deflection station (10) and a second deflection station (11), which are spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction (13) at a distance A (37).Furthermore, a first traction element (35) and a second traction element (36) are formed, wherein the first traction element (35) and the second traction element (36) are spaced apart in the transverse direction (16) at a distance B (43) from each other between the first deflection station (10) and the second deflection station (11), and wherein several support strips (40) are formed which extend in the transverse direction (16) and are coupled to the first traction element (35) and to the second traction element (36), and serve to receive at least two metal rods (5) arranged next to each other, wherein at least one magnet (51) is formed in at least three of the support strips (40) for fixing the metal rods (5).