Mobile Conveyor Belt Lubrication for Stable Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container conveyor systems in the beverage industry face challenges with complex and unreliable lubrication systems, leading to inconsistent friction coefficients on conveyor belts, which can result in unreliable container transport and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A transport system utilizing a mobile robot with a floor-supported undercarriage and a controllable articulated arm to autonomously apply lubricant to conveyor belts, equipped with a friction coefficient measuring device to ensure precise lubrication based on actual friction needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed applicators with nozzles are installed at the conveyor to apply lubricant, then the conveyor belt can be lubricated, but the installation becomes complicated and requires fixed pipes or hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot autonomously navigates to the conveyor belt and applies lubricant without requiring fixed infrastructure. The robot carries its own lubricant supply and application mechanism, making the system self-contained and eliminating the need for fixed pipes, hoses, and complex installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed applicators to a dynamic mobile robot that can move freely along the conveyor belt. This dynamic approach allows the lubrication system to adapt to different positions and configurations without requiring complex fixed installations.
2Ease of operation
If lubricant is applied equally to all areas of the conveyor belt, then the application process is simple, but the dosage cannot be optimized based on actual demand
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot incorporates sensors that detect the actual friction conditions at different locations on the conveyor belt. Based on these local measurements, the robot adjusts the lubricant dosage and application frequency for each specific area, ensuring optimal lubrication where needed and avoiding waste in areas that already have adequate friction characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses friction sensors to continuously monitor the conveyor belt surface conditions and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of lubricant application rates, optimizing dosage based on actual demand and preventing both over-lubrication and under-lubrication.
3Force
If the conveyor belt is lubricated to excessive extent, then the coefficient of friction decreases, but containers may tip over or transport reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Friction sensors mounted on the mobile robot continuously measure the coefficient of friction on the conveyor belt surface. When the friction drops below a safe threshold, the system automatically adjusts or stops lubricant application to prevent container tipping. This closed-loop control ensures friction force remains within the optimal range for reliable container transport.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying a fixed amount of lubricant, the system applies lubricant partially and incrementally based on real-time friction measurements. The robot can apply small doses of lubricant as needed to maintain optimal friction levels without exceeding the threshold that would cause container instability.
4Extent of automation
If a mobile robot is used for lubrication instead of fixed applicators, then installation complexity is reduced and automation is improved, but the system requires autonomous navigation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities that allow it to independently locate and navigate to the conveyor belt sections requiring lubrication. The robot uses onboard sensors and navigation systems to move autonomously without human intervention, performing the complete lubrication task from approach to application and return.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile robot serves multiple functions: navigation, friction measurement, lubricant storage, and lubricant application. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional platform, the system achieves high automation while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate specialized components.
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 system provides a more reliable and efficient lubrication process, reducing the risk of container tipping and excessive lubricant consumption, while minimizing user intervention and maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
the applicator is arranged on the mobile robot and the floor-supported undercarriage is configured to move the mobile robot on a floor of the plant to arbitrary positions so as to lubricate conveyor belts
Implementation Method 2
a friction coefficient measuring device is arranged on the mobile robot and is used for determining friction coefficients of the conveyor belts
Data Source
AI summary
A transport system for containers in the beverage industry, with a first container conveyor including a conveyor belt for conveying the containers, and a lubrication system including an applicator for applying a lubricant to the conveyor belt of the first container conveyor, wherein the transport system comprises a second container conveyor with a further conveyor belt for conveying the containers, and the lubrication system includes a mobile robot which has the applicator arranged thereon and a floor-supported undercarriage, for applying the lubricant in an automated selectively to the conveyor belt of the first container transporter or the conveyor belt of the second container conveyor.