Modular Conveyor Frame Segmentation for Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveying devices for construction machines, such as road milling and finishers, are costly and time-consuming to reconfigure for changing conveyor lengths, requiring complex and heavy attachments or replacing conveyor belts.

Innovation Solution

A modular conveyor device with interchangeable frame modules allows for length adjustments without changing the conveyor belt, using detachable frame modules that can be exchanged to modify the conveyor's length, with a base frame module and drive components permanently attached to the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a second conveyor belt is attached to a boom behind the feeder to increase transport length, then the conveying length is extended, but the device becomes complex and heavy requiring complex attachment procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying lengthVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple interchangeable frame modules (first frame module, second frame module, third frame module) that can be selectively assembled. This segmentation allows the conveyor length to be adjusted by simply adding or removing frame modules without requiring complex attachments or additional conveyor belts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If the conveyor length is changed by using a different conveyor belt, then the conveying length is adjusted, but time and work are consumed to attach or remove conveyor belts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor lengthVSAvoidtime to change conveyor length
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into interchangeable modules that can be quickly assembled or disassembled. This allows conveyor length adjustment by simply changing frame modules rather than replacing entire conveyor belts, significantly reducing the time and labor required for length changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is made dynamically adjustable through the interchangeable module system. Different frame module configurations can be rapidly deployed to change conveyor length, making the system adaptable without time-consuming reconfiguration of the entire conveyor belt system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of stationary object

If a complex attachment with the second conveyor is used to change conveyor length, then the conveying length is modified, but the attachment process becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor lengthVSAvoidease of length change
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into standardized interchangeable modules that simplify the manufacturing and assembly process. This segmentation makes length adjustments easier and less expensive by eliminating the need for complex custom attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable frame modules are designed with universal connection interfaces that can be used in multiple positions and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by using standardized components rather than custom-made attachments for each length change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2385003B1Conveying device
Publication Date: 2012.08.22 JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
  • EP2385003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2385003B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2385003B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a conveying device (20), wherein the conveying device (20) comprises a frame, deflection elements (10) supported by the frame, and a conveyor belt (7) guided around the deflection elements (10). The invention is characterized in that the frame is composed of several frame modules (21, 22, 23), wherein at least one of the frame modules (21, 22, 23) is replaceable in order to change the length of the conveying device (20).