Modular Gravity Conveyor with Adjustable Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravity roller conveyor systems have components with fixed dimensions, making it difficult to adapt to varying floor layouts and smaller spaces without extensive rework.
Innovation Solution
A modular conveyor system comprising adjustable rails with through holes for customizable assembly, cross-ties for rail coupling, and rollers with adjustable axle ends for variable spacing, allowing for flexible configuration to fit different spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If components of gravity roller conveyors come in set dimensions, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different floor layouts and smaller spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into modular components (rails, cross-ties, rollers, H-stands) that can be independently manufactured in standardized dimensions and then assembled in various configurations. This segmentation allows simplified manufacturing of individual parts while enabling flexible adaptation to different floor layouts through combinatorial assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable components including rails with multiple through holes at different positions, cross-ties with variable spacing, and H-stands with adjustable heights. These dynamic adjustment capabilities allow the conveyor to be reconfigured for different floor layouts and space requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized base components.
2Ease of manufacture
If components of gravity roller conveyors come in set dimensions, then production is standardized, but ease of adaptation to smaller spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is segmented into standardized modules that can be selectively assembled. Smaller spaces can be accommodated by using fewer and strategically positioned modules, while maintaining the same standardized manufacturing processes for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in terms of configuration and arrangement rather than component dimensions. Through holes are positioned at multiple standardized locations, enabling adjustment of rail spacing, roller positioning, and H-stand heights to optimize for smaller spaces without changing the standardized manufacturing dimensions of individual components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive rework is required for adaptation, then customization is achieved, but loss of time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows customization through simple reconfiguration of existing components rather than extensive rework. Individual modules can be relocated, repositioned, or reassembled to accommodate different floor layouts, significantly reducing the time required for adaptation compared to custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable and reconfigurable nature of the components enables rapid adaptation to different spaces and layouts. Cross-ties can be repositioned, H-stands can be adjusted in height and position, and rails can be reconfigured, all without requiring time-consuming rework or custom manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy adaptation to various space configurations without extensive rework, improving flexibility and efficiency in handling and transporting products.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity roller conveyors, in which a roller conveyor bed is arranged on an incline, are often used to convey pallets or boxes from high levels to lower levels in warehouses
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a modular conveyor system comprising a plurality of rails and cross-ties extending between pairs of the rails to form a frame. A plurality of rollers is received by the rails to provide a conveyor. One or more H-stands are attached to the rails to support the conveyor system.