Modular Conveyor Scroll Assembly With Snap-On Shaft Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conveyor scroll designs face challenges with hygiene, assembly, disassembly, and replacement due to difficulties in mounting, securing, and removing modules from the shaft in conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
A shaft-mounted conveyor assembly featuring L-shaped mounting slots and a snap-on locking collar allows for easy installation and secure positioning of scroll modules, forming a helical pulley structure that prevents axial movement, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional scroll designs are used in conveyor systems, then the scrolls can contact the conveyor belt to move debris, but the scrolls are difficult to assemble, disassemble, and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor scroll is divided into multiple scroll modules that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module contains a scroll portion with leading and trailing edges, allowing the entire scroll assembly to be broken down into manageable segments for easy installation and replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the entire conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scroll modules are designed to nest together along the shaft, with each module fitting into positioning features of adjacent modules. This nesting arrangement allows multiple scroll sections to be compactly arranged on a single shaft while maintaining ease of assembly, as each module can be independently positioned and secured.
2Productivity
If scrolls are mounted on a shaft in conveyor systems, then debris can be moved away from the center of the conveyor belt, but hygiene is compromised due to difficulty in cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the scroll into separate modules, each module can be independently removed and cleaned. This segmentation allows for thorough hygiene maintenance as contaminated modules can be detached and cleaned without disassembling the entire conveyor system, thereby maintaining debris removal efficiency while improving hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables contaminated scroll modules to be quickly discarded from service, cleaned or replaced, and then recovered back into the system. This facilitates maintaining high hygiene standards while continuously operating the conveyor for debris removal, as contaminated modules can be rapidly exchanged rather than requiring complete system shutdowns.
3Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used for scrolls, then the scrolls can be secured to the shaft, but replacement and maintenance become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The scroll modules are pre-configured with positioning features, mounting slots, and engagement mechanisms that enable quick installation. The modules come pre-assembled with their scroll portions and mounting components, so that during maintenance, the entire module can be rapidly installed or replaced as a single unit without requiring time-consuming on-site assembly or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic features such as snap-fit connections, movable locking mechanisms, or tool-free fastening systems that allow scroll modules to be quickly secured and released. These dynamic mounting features maintain reliable security during operation while enabling rapid replacement during maintenance, significantly reducing the time required for scroll module changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaft-mounted conveyor assembly (10) comprises a series of scroll modules (100, 102) arranged in series on a shaft (12) to form a helix having a peripheral surface for contacting a conveyor belt. Each scroll module includes an open hub (120) for receiving the shaft and a webbed scroll portion (110) defining the peripheral surface. The shaft includes L-shaped mounting slots (30) in mounting regions for mounting the scroll modules. A snap-on locking collar (200) prevents axial movement of the scroll modules after installation on the shaft.