Modular Magnetic Conveyor Belt with Recessed Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating magnetic elements into conveyors to retain magnetically attractive items is cumbersome and inefficient in existing conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular plastic conveyor belt with a magnetic element that can be easily integrated and retained within the belt module, featuring a recess for the magnetic element, a cover to encapsulate it, and a retention mechanism to secure the element in place, allowing for flexible integration and use of magnetic and non-magnetic modules in various patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic elements are integrated into conveyor systems to retain magnetically attractive items, then the ability to convey metal or magnetically attractable items is improved, but the integration process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into individual modular segments that can be independently assembled and configured. Each module contains its own magnetic element integration system, allowing the conveyor to be built in flexible patterns (e.g., alternating magnetic and non-magnetic modules) without requiring complex integrated design across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element is nested within a recess in the module body, which is then covered by a cover that is retained by retention elements. This nested structure allows the magnetic element to be integrated into the conveyor module in a space-efficient manner while maintaining easy access for installation and removal.
2Force
If magnetic elements are exposed on the conveyor surface to attract items, then magnetic attraction capability is improved, but wear and jams increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element is nested within a recess in the module body and covered by a cover, creating a protected environment. This allows the magnetic field to extend through the cover material to attract items while preventing direct contact between the magnetic element and conveyed materials, thereby reducing wear and preventing jams.
3Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic elements are permanently integrated into conveyor modules, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility for reconfiguration and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into modular units with standardized interfaces (hinge eyes, hinge rods). This allows modules to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured into different patterns while maintaining structural stability during operation. Magnetic and non-magnetic modules can be mixed and matched based on specific conveying requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention elements are designed to hold the cover and magnetic element securely during operation (providing structural stability) while allowing for relatively easy removal and reinstallation (providing reconfiguration flexibility). This dynamic characteristic enables the system to transition between stable operation and flexible maintenance/reconfiguration as needed.
4Force
If magnetic elements are exposed on the conveyor surface, then magnetic attraction capability is improved, but cost increases due to greater exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element is nested within a recess and covered by a cover made of material that allows magnetic field penetration. This configuration minimizes the exposed surface area of the magnetic element while maintaining sufficient magnetic attraction capability, thereby reducing the cost of magnetic components required.
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
Facilitates easy and secure integration of magnetic elements into conveyor belts, enhancing the ability to attract and convey magnetically attractive items while maintaining a continuous conveying surface, reducing wear and preventing jams, and minimizing exposure of the magnetic component for cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
To convey metal or magnetically attractable items, such as bakery pans, conveyors have been used that include magnetic elements to retain the magnetically-attractive items on the conveyor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic conveyor belt module integrates a magnetic element into the body of the module to attract conveyed articles to the body. The magnetic conveyor belt module includes a recess for seating a magnetic element and a retention element for retaining the magnetic element within the recess. A cover encapsulates the magnetic element within the body of the module. A non-magnetic conveyor belt module is connected to the magnetic conveyor belt module to form a conveyor belt. The non-magnetic conveyor belt module has an upper surface that is flush with or above the upper surface of the magnetic conveyor belt module.