Modular Conveyor Belt Retainer for Tool-Free Hinge Rod Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular plastic conveyor belts face challenges in accessing and removing hinge rods without the need for tools, which complicates repairs, cleaning, or section removal.
Innovation Solution
A movable hinge rod retainer that can pivot or move between open and closed positions, allowing easy access to and locking of hinge rods within the conveyor belt modules, facilitating tool-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge rod retainer is used to lock the hinge rod within the passageway, then the reliability of the conveyor belt connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because tools and special access procedures are required to remove the hinge rod
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with a movable configuration that transitions between a first position (blocking the passageway to retain the hinge rod) and a second position (opening the passageway to allow hinge rod removal). This dynamic transformation enables the same structure to provide both secure retention during operation and easy access during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates a self-opening mechanism that allows the hinge rod to automatically release the passageway blockage when needed, eliminating the need for external tools or complex access procedures. The structure serves itself by providing both retention and release functions through its own design features
2Ease of repair
If dedicated access points are provided throughout the conveyor belt length, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retainer structure serves multiple functions: it provides hinge rod retention during normal operation, enables easy hinge rod removal for repairs, and maintains structural integrity. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the design achieves ease of repair without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 convenient and efficient separation and rejoining of conveyor belt sections for maintenance or repair, reducing the risk of losing tools and maintaining cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
The pivotable hinge rod retainer pivots between a closed position blocking the first rod passageway and an open position in which the first rod passageway is open
Implementation Method 2
The movable hinge rod retainer moves between a first position in which the first rod passageway is open and an end of the hinge rod extends from the first rod passageway and a second position in which the first rod passageway is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt module includes a movable hinge rod retainer that can be opened and closed without tools. The movable hinge rod retainer facilitates opening and rejoining of the conveyor belt at one or more dedicated locations. In a first position, the hinge rod retainer locks a hinge rod withing a hinge rod passageway. A user can easily move the hinge rod retainer to a second position in which the hinge rod passageway is open to allow removal of the hinge rod.