Mobile Conveyor Handover Using Connector-Based Power and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor systems require mechanically trackbound paths, which limit flexibility and increase costs due to the need for precise alignment and infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor arrangement that uses a mobile conveyor with a first connector to establish a connection, either wired or wireless, with a second stationary conveyor, allowing for energy and control transfer, and featuring a crush protection mechanism to prevent injuries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanically trackbound conveying path is used, then precise alignment and stable operation are achieved, but flexibility and infrastructure costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidinfrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into multiple independent mobile conveyor units that can operate autonomously. Each conveyor is a self-contained module with its own drive unit and connectors, eliminating the need for a continuous mechanical track infrastructure while maintaining stable operation through modular independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical trackbound system is replaced with mobile conveyors that use wireless or wired connectors for communication and power transfer. The physical mechanical connection is substituted with electrical/electronic connectivity, allowing flexible positioning without infrastructure constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If each conveyor has its own controller and energy storage, then operational independence is achieved, but system complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidnumber of controllers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions are merged into a centralized control system that manages all mobile conveyor units. The central controller communicates with each conveyor through connectors, coordinating their operations to maintain independence while reducing the total number of controllers needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates multiple functions: mechanical coupling, electrical power transfer, and data communication. This multi-functional connector allows a single connection point to handle multiple operational aspects, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational independence of each conveyor unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250153942A1Conveyor arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 INTERROLL HLDG

AI summary

A conveyor arrangement with a first mobile conveyor, which includes a first conveying track adapted to convey an object, and a drive module adapted to change its position within an area of operation. The first conveying track is fixed to the drive module so that changing the position of the drive module leads to a similar change of the first conveying track. By operation of the drive module, a first mobile conveyor is transferred between a handover state, and a separated state in relation to a second conveying track of a second conveyor. During the handover state, the first conveying track is in alignment with the second conveying track; and during the separated state the first conveying track is not in alignment with the second conveying track so that the object cannot be transferred between the first conveyor and the second conveying track.