Mobile Driving Device for Roller Conveyor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller conveyors face inefficiencies in adapting to changing volumes of goods, requiring significant reconfiguration and downtime, as they are typically designed for maximum expected capacity, leading to underutilization when handling smaller or larger volumes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile driving device that can be positioned and coupled to different rollers along a roller conveyor, allowing for independent control and movement, enabling efficient conveying of both small and large volumes without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If roller conveyors are designed for maximum expected capacity, then they can handle peak volumes, but they suffer from underutilization when handling smaller volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static conveyor configuration with fixed drive units to a dynamic system where a mobile driving device can be repositioned along the conveyor. This mobility allows the conveyor to adapt its active driving zones dynamically based on the actual volume and distribution of goods, optimizing capacity utilization across different operational scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile driving device serves multiple functions: it can be positioned at different locations along the conveyor, coupled to different rollers, and used to drive goods in various zones. This single device replaces the need for multiple fixed drive units, providing universal functionality that adapts to varying volume requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If roller conveyors are reconfigured to adapt to changing volumes, then capacity utilization improves, but significant downtime is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile driving device enables dynamic reconfiguration during operation rather than requiring static reconfiguration during downtime. The device can be moved and repositioned while the conveyor is running, allowing adaptability without production interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for easy self-repositioning of the mobile driving device along the conveyor without requiring complex reconfiguration procedures or external intervention. The device can be independently moved to different zones and coupled to different rollers as needed
3Ease of operation
If multiple drive units are installed for individual control of conveyor zones, then selective conveying is enabled, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single mobile driving device replaces multiple fixed drive units, providing the same individual zone control functionality. The device achieves this universality through its ability to be positioned at different locations and coupled to different rollers, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated drive units and their associated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the driving function from fixed, distributed drive units and consolidates it into a single mobile device. This extraction simplifies the system by removing the complexity of multiple drive units while maintaining the capability for individual zone control through the mobile device's repositioning ability
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
Enables flexible and efficient operation by allowing the mobile driving device to adapt to varying volumes, reducing downtime and optimizing conveyor capacity utilization, as it can be easily repositioned and coupled to different rollers, ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a friction wheel (160) or a conveyor belt (60) is in frictional engagement with a roller (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile driving device for driving a roller conveyor, a chassis frame, a traction device mounted to said chassis frame, wherein said traction device is adapted to move said chassis frame on a supporting surface, a first drive unit mechanically coupled to said traction device to transmit a driving force to said traction device for moving said chassis frame on said supporting surface, a roller driving device mounted to said chassis frame, wherein said roller driving device is adapted to be mechanically coupled to one or a plurality of rollers of said roller conveyor, and a second drive unit mechanically coupled to said roller driving device for transmitting a conveying force to said roller driving device.