Modular Conveyor Frame Design for Hygiene and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor belt system frames are heavy, difficult to clean, susceptible to dirt, and not easily expandable or modular, which limits their stability and adaptability in various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular frame design featuring adjustable support elements and interface elements made from plate material, allowing for flexible adaptation to different conveyor lengths and user requirements, with a minimized horizontal surface area to reduce dirt accumulation and facilitate easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional heavy metal frames are used, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases and ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple modular components (support elements, connector elements, interface elements) that can be assembled together. Each support element includes vertical and horizontal portions that connect via standardized interfaces, allowing the structure to achieve stability through proper geometric arrangement rather than heavy materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining different structural elements (support elements made of metal profiles, connector elements with threaded holes, interface elements with mounting surfaces) that work together to provide structural stability without requiring excessive weight from any single component.
2Strength
If traditional frames with large horizontal surfaces are used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates and dirt accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal portions of support elements feature rounded upper surfaces instead of flat horizontal planes. This curvature prevents dirt and liquids from accumulating on flat surfaces, allowing them to roll off easily. The rounded geometry maintains structural strength while dramatically improving cleanability, making the frame suitable for hygiene-sensitive environments.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed non-modular frame designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is segmented into standardized modular components (support elements of different heights, connector elements, interface elements) that can be combined in various configurations. This allows the same basic components to adapt to different conveyor belt lengths and system requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces and connector elements are designed to be universal, allowing the same support elements and connectors to be used across different frame configurations and applications. The interface elements can accommodate various mounting requirements, making the frame system versatile for different conveyor and inspection system configurations.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex assembly procedures are used, then structural precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Critical precision features (threaded holes, mounting surfaces, alignment features) are pre-formed during component manufacturing rather than requiring complex assembly operations. The support elements, connector elements, and interface elements arrive with precision features already integrated, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures while maintaining high structural precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components to reduce assembly complexity. For example, connector elements simultaneously provide structural connection, alignment, and adjustment functions. Interface elements integrate mounting surfaces and positioning features in one component, reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps required while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A frame (1, 101, 201) supports a conveyor belt system with a longitudinally circulating conveyor belt. Two plate-like carrier elements (2, 102), with principal planes extending at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) are joined by at least two distance elements (4, 4′), disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction (L). The distance elements space the two carrier elements apart. A plurality of support elements (5) and machine feet (21) support the frame on the ground. At least one of the carrier elements defines a seating area (3), which is largely arranged horizontally. At least two first mechanical interface elements (6) run parallel to the distance elements, preferably extending over the carrier elements, and are fixed on the seating areas of the carrier elements. The frame also has at least two fixing elements (7), by which the first mechanical interface elements (6) are fixed to the seating areas.