Modular Belt Link Cap for Easy Rod Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular conveyor belts with small belt pitches face difficulties in retaining pivot rods effectively while allowing for easy extraction during disassembly, which is crucial for maintenance and repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular belt system with a special end module and link cap design that allows for easier disassembly, featuring a narrower outer link end with a connecting structure and a separate cap piece that provides a corresponding connecting structure, enabling easier grip and removal of pivot rods, along with an integrated rodlet for convenient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rod retaining systems are used in small pitch belts, then rod retention is achieved, but rod extraction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The belt module is divided into separate components: the link body and the cap are distinct separable parts. The cap can be removed from the link body to facilitate easy rod extraction, while maintaining secure rod retention when assembled. This segmentation allows the retaining function and extraction function to be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod retention function is extracted from the link body and placed into a separate cap component. The cap is designed to be removable, allowing the rod to be easily accessed and extracted. This separation enables the retention mechanism to be independent from the extraction mechanism.
2Reliability
If rod ends are furnished with retaining rings by press fit, then rod retention is achieved, but disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining system is segmented into the link body with integrated retaining features and a separate cap component. The cap incorporates the rod retention mechanism and can be independently removed, facilitating easy disassembly for maintenance while maintaining secure rod retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is pre-assembled with the rod or designed to easily snap onto the link body, providing immediate rod retention upon assembly. The preliminary preparation of the cap with integrated retaining features eliminates the need for complex press-fit operations during field assembly or disassembly.
3Reliability
If caps are inserted into outer links with embedded rods, then rod retention is achieved, but rod extraction remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the rod retention function into a separate cap component that can be independently removed from the link body. This allows the rod to be easily extracted by simply removing the cap, while the link body retains the structural integrity and rod retention features when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap serves as an intermediary component between the rod and the link body. It provides the rod retention function while being designed for easy removal, thus mediating between the need for secure retention and easy extraction. The cap can be snapped on or off without affecting the link body structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
A modular belt (300) comprises a belt module (320), a pivot rod (350) and a link cap (340). The belt module (320) comprises an intermediate section (322), an outer link end (324) extending from the intermediate section (322) in a first direction parallel to a direction of belt travel and an opposing link end (330) extending from the intermediate section (322) in a second direction opposite the first direction. The opposing link end (330) is configured to interdigitate with link ends of an adjacent module and has a transverse opening defined therein. The outer link end (324) has a transverse opening defined therein and a mating connector (326). The pivot rod (350) is disposed through the transverse opening of the outer link end (324). The link cap (340) is for retaining the pivot rod (350) and has a corresponding connector (342) configured to mate with the mating connector (326) of the outer link end (324).