Magnetic Chain Return Guide for Conveyor Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing return guides for chain conveyors are limited in adaptability to chains with varying link plate thicknesses, leading to material waste and increased machining processes, and are prone to chain detachment issues due to magnetic attraction failures, especially in multi-channel configurations.
Innovation Solution
A guide system with magnetic interaction means, including magnets and ferromagnetic elements, that securely attracts and retains chain links within channels, allowing for adjustable positioning and reduced material usage, and incorporates idle rollers to manage chain weight and detachment, ensuring stable operation across different link thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If return guides are designed with specific groove sizes to accommodate chains with reduced mechanical play, then chain guidance stability is improved, but adaptability to chains with varying plate thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the guide channel dimensions adjustable or variable rather than fixed. The guide channel can be configured with different cross-sectional dimensions to accommodate chains with varying plate thicknesses while maintaining optimal guidance stability for each specific chain configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a guide channel that can accommodate multiple chain types with different plate thicknesses through adjustable or variable dimensional parameters, allowing a single guide structure to serve multiple functions across different chain configurations rather than requiring separate guides for each chain type.
2Manufacturing precision
If grooves are sized to accommodate specific plate thicknesses with reduced mechanical play, then chain guidance precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by designing guide channels with adjustable or variable dimensions that can be optimized for different chain types. This allows the guide structure to achieve high guidance precision for each specific application while avoiding the need for multiple specialized guide designs, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the guide channel dimensions adjustable or variable rather than fixed, allowing the guide structure to adapt to different chain configurations. This dynamic approach enables high precision guidance for each specific chain type while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to producing multiple fixed guides.
3Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic attraction means are used to hold chain flat in bend zones, then chain stability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to detachment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing idle rollers as a mediating element between the chain and the guide channel. These rollers provide mechanical support and guidance to the chain, particularly in bend zones, reducing the reliance on magnetic attraction alone and preventing chain detachment by providing alternative mechanical retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating idle rollers that provide continuous mechanical support to the chain throughout its path, including bend zones. This pre-established mechanical support cushioning prevents chain detachment before it can occur, ensuring reliable operation even when magnetic attraction may fail.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multi-channel return guides are designed with staggered channels to avoid groove interference, then chain guidance stability is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the guide channel dimensions adjustable or variable, allowing optimization for multi-channel configurations. This enables stable guidance in multi-channel setups without requiring complex staggered arrangements, as the variable parameters can be tuned to accommodate different channel spacing and size requirements while simplifying the overall structure.
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 guide system provides adaptable and stable chain guidance, reducing material waste and operational disruptions, while maintaining chain alignment and preventing laborious repositioning due to detachment, even in multi-channel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
means are provided for generating a magnetic field to exercise attraction on the hinge pins and thereby to hold the chain flat on the rails in the bend zone
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field to exercise attraction on the hinge pins and thereby to hold the chain flat on the rails in the bend zone
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A guide for a chain (105) for an articles conveyor (100) is proposed. Said guide comprises a return guide (110R;210R;310R) being adapted to guide the chain (105) along at least a portion of a return section of a conveyor path of the articles conveyor (100). The chain (105) comprises a plurality of links (115) each one having a first link element (1151) for supporting the articles to be conveyed and a second link element (1152) for supporting the first link element (1151). The return guide (110R;210R;310R) comprises a return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) along the return guide (110R;210R;310R), said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) extending within the return guide (110R;210R;310R) from a surface (110RB;210RB;310RB) of the return guide (110R;210R;310R) that, in use, defines a lower outer surface of the guide. The return guide (110R;210R;310R) further comprises return guide magnetic interaction means (130R,135;230R,235;330R,335) adapted in use to magnetically interact with chain magnetic interaction means (120) to cause a magnetic attraction of the chain (105) within the return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R), SO that by effect of said magnetic attraction said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) is adapted to slidably receive within it the second link element (1152), and said surface (110RB;210RB;310RB) of the return guide (110R;210R;310R) is adapted to provide a slide abutment, external to the return guide (110R;210R;310R), for the first link element (1151). The guide further comprises accompanying means (140,145,150) for accompanying the movement of the chain (105) with respect to said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R), said accompanying means (140,145,150) comprising: means (145) for promoting an input of the chain (105) into, and magnetic attraction and retention of the chain (105) within, said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R), and means (150) for promoting an output of the chain (105) from said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R).