Modular Conveyor Belt Slat with Integrated Side Carrier Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor toasters are ill-suited for consumer use due to their size, high manufacturing costs, power requirements, and the time needed to preheat the platen, but they are preferred by restaurants for high-volume processing and consistent heating.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor belt system comprising a plurality of slats connected to side carriers, such as cables, timing belts, or timing chains, which form a continuous surface for efficient and flexible operation, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wire conveyor belts with plates attached to spaced rods are used, then a flat support surface is provided, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular slat units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each slat is a discrete component with standardized connection features, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes and easy field assembly or replacement, directly addressing the complexity and cost issues of traditional rod-and-plate constructions
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are integrated directly into the slat structure itself rather than being separate components. The slats incorporate built-in coupling mechanisms that combine the functions of structural support and inter-slat connection, eliminating the need for separate rods and attachment hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and assembly complexity
2Productivity
If traditional conveyor belt designs are used, then continuous conveyance is achieved, but repair and replacement in the field become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system is segmented into individual slat modules that can be independently removed and replaced. This modular architecture allows damaged sections to be quickly swapped out in the field without disrupting the entire conveyor system, maintaining continuous operation capability while simplifying maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The slat connection system incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow for quick engagement and disengagement. The inter-slat connections are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled without specialized tools or complex procedures, enabling rapid field repairs while maintaining the continuous conveyance function
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt includes a conveyor belt slat having a coupling mechanism extending from a bottom of a base of the conveyor belt slat.