Modular Conveyor Belt Movable Retainer for Tool-Free Hinge Rod Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular plastic conveyor belts face challenges in easily accessing and removing hinge rods without the need for tools, which complicates maintenance, repair, 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 to be movable between a first position that blocks the passageway (locking the hinge rod) and a second position that opens the passageway (allowing hinge rod removal). This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for tools while maintaining secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer can be manually moved by the operator without requiring external tools or specialized access procedures. The design allows the operator to directly manipulate the retainer to open or close the passageway, making the system self-servicing.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated access points are provided for hinge rod removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure combines multiple functions: it locks the hinge rod in the passageway, provides the access mechanism, and maintains structural integrity of the conveyor belt module. By merging these functions into a single component, complexity is minimized while ease of operation is maximized.
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 tool-free separation and rejoining of conveyor belt sections for maintenance or repair, reducing the risk of losing tools and maintaining operational efficiency.
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 (20) includes a movable hinge rod retainer (220) that can be opened and closed without tools. The movable hinge rod retainer facilitates opening and rejoining of the conveyor belt (100) at one or more dedicated locations. In a first position, the hinge rod retainer locks a hinge rod (130) 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.