Modular Belt Link with Detachable Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular conveyor belt assemblies face challenges in assembly, disassembly, and repair due to the complexity of aligning and securing reinforcement links, which are easily misaligned and require substantial effort, especially as conveyor belt width increases, leading to increased costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A modular conveyor system with detachably fixed reinforcement links, featuring apertures aligned with module link ends and secured by resilient fingers, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment of reinforcement links, simplifying the assembly and repair process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement links are comolded with modules, then structural integration and strength are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and repair difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement link is separated from the module as a distinct component rather than being comolded. The reinforcement link can be detached and replaced independently from the module, enabling easier repair and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the reinforcement link and module. This intermediary structure allows for strong structural integration during operation while enabling easy separation for repair purposes, resolving the contradiction between strength and repairability.
2Ease of repair
If reinforcement links are placed in-line with modules, then repairability is improved, but assembly complexity and alignment difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement link is pre-positioned and pre-aligned with the module features before final assembly. The detachable connection mechanism is designed with alignment guides and positioning elements that automatically ensure correct alignment during assembly, reducing the complexity of the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection mechanism includes self-aligning and self-securing features that automatically position the reinforcement link correctly during assembly. The mechanism serves itself by providing built-in alignment and positioning functions, eliminating the need for complex external alignment procedures.
3Productivity
If conveyor belt width increases, then transport capacity is improved, but alignment difficulty and assembly complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular segments that can be assembled independently. Each module maintains standardized connection interfaces that simplify alignment regardless of the overall conveyor width. The reinforcement links are similarly segmented and can be aligned independently in wider conveyor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection mechanism is designed as a universal interface that works across all module types and conveyor widths. The standardized alignment features and connection geometry provide consistent performance whether the conveyor is narrow or wide, eliminating increased alignment difficulty as conveyor width increases.
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 solution enables economical, efficient, and simplified assembly, disassembly, and repair of modular conveyor belts by maintaining alignment and load capacity, reducing downtime and assembly difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
secured by resilient fingers
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor assembly includes a module having a detachably fixed reinforcement link to simplify modular conveyor assembly, disassembly, and repair. The module includes a first link end extending in a first direction from a leading edge and a second link end extending in a second direction from a trailing edge. The first link end includes a first aperture for receiving a first link pin connecting the module to an adjacent module. The second link end includes a second aperture for receiving a second link pin connecting the module to another adjacent module. A reinforcement link is detachably fixed to the module. The reinforcement link includes a third aperture aligned with the first aperture for receiving the first link pin. And, the reinforcement link includes a fourth aperture aligned with the second aperture for receiving the second link pin.