Modular Belt Width Adjustment Device for Conveyor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts made of injection-molded plastic modules face challenges in width adjustment to fit existing substructures, as the original manufacturer may be out of business or module dimensions change, requiring costly and time-consuming substructure replacement.
Innovation Solution
A width adjustment device with eye parts and connection pins allows for detachable adjustment of conveyor belt width by fitting into existing modules, providing overlap for stability and using a Y-shaped configuration to maintain load-bearing capabilities and flexibility, and can be integrated with the connection pin for easy attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor belt is replaced with a new one to match the substructure width, then the conveyor belt fits the substructure properly, but the cost and time increase due to substructure replacement when original manufacturers are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The width adjustment device is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be independently attached to individual belt modules. Each segment contains connection elements that interface with the modular belt structure, allowing the width adjustment function to be distributed across multiple components rather than requiring a complete conveyor belt replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The width adjustment device acts as an intermediary component between the existing conveyor belt and the substructure. It provides a transitional solution that bridges the width mismatch without requiring modification of either the belt or substructure, enabling the system to adapt to different widths through detachable attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the substructure is replaced to accommodate different belt widths, then width flexibility is achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the substructure to accommodate different belt widths, the invention inverts the approach by attaching width adjustment devices to the belt modules themselves. This reverses the traditional modification strategy and achieves width flexibility at the belt level rather than the substructure level, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The width adjustment device incorporates detachable and adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the conveyor belt width. Connection elements can be attached or removed from belt modules to change the effective width, providing flexibility without permanent structural modifications.
3Duration of action of moving object
If wear parts are added to belt links to prolong service life, then the effective service life increases, but the substructure must be dimensioned for extra space reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The width adjustment device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts the conveyor belt width to match the substructure and provides wear protection for the belt modules. By combining width adjustment and wear protection in a single component, the substructure does not need additional space beyond what is required for the adjusted width, maintaining adaptability while extending service life.
Data Source
AI summary
Width adjustment device (1), for being used in connection with adjusting the width of conveyor belts of the type made up from a large number of substantially identical belt modules (2,2′), where each module along leading and trailing edges in the intended travelling direction is provided with eye parts separated by openings (17), such that an eye part on one module may be fitted in an opening (17) on an adjacent module, and where the eye parts are provided with an aperture laterally, such that when a conveyor belt is assembled from a plurality of belt modules (2,2′), a connection pin (16) may be inserted laterally through the openings in overlapping eye parts, thereby hingely connecting adjacent belt modules, where the width adjustment device (1) is detachably arranged on each belt module (2,2′) along one or both sides of the conveyor belt, and where a device on one module (2) at least partly overlaps with the device arranged on the upstream and/or downstream module (2′).