Modular Conveyor Assembly Cassette for Volumetric Concrete Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor assemblies in volumetric concrete mixing systems face inefficiencies due to drag-induced wear and energy loss, and require partial disassembly for repair or replacement, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A modular conveyor assembly with a unitary belt and chain subassembly that can be detached without disassembling components, featuring a belt and chains moving in unison with low-friction support and a motor-driven axle system, eliminating the need for cross bars and allowing for efficient material transport and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional conveyor assembly with cross bars and dragging belt configuration is used, then the conveyor can transport materials, but it causes unnecessary wear and energy loss due to drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cross bars from the conveyor assembly, extracting the source of friction and drag. The belt now moves freely between support surfaces without being constrained by cross bars, eliminating the unnecessary wear and energy loss while maintaining material transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is designed to dynamically move between a loading position and a dispensing position without rigid constraints. The belt can be drawn between support surfaces and positioned flexibly, allowing efficient material transport from the aggregate bin to the mixing chamber
2Ease of repair
If the conveyor assembly is integrated into the mixing system, then it provides continuous material transport, but repair and replacement require partial disassembly of the conveyor assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor assembly is segmented into a modular design where the belt and chain subassembly form a distinct, replaceable unit. This segmentation allows the conveyor belt to be removed and replaced as a complete module without disassembling other components of the conveyor system or mixing system
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is designed with preliminary attachment features that allow it to be pre-assembled and then quickly installed onto the mixing system. The belt can be engaged with the drive mechanism and support surfaces in a predetermined sequence, enabling rapid replacement without complex disassembly procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A modular conveyor assembly employable with a materials mixing system is provided that includes an elongate frame supporting a motor driven axle, an idler axle, and a plurality of rollers supported in individual rotational fashion by the frame, and a belt and chain subassembly configured to be cycled rotationally about the axles and rollers, where the belt and chain subassembly includes first and second chains each attached along first and second sides of the belt, respectively, so that the belt and chains move in unison, and wherein the frame is configured to be detachable from a materials mixing system without the need to disassemble substantial components of the modular conveyor assembly.