Modular Link Conveyor With Integrated Energy Supply Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulating conveyor belts with integrated energy supply systems are not easily modular, adjustable in length, or retrofittable with additional supply lines, limiting their versatility and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A link belt system with interchangeable links featuring a channel for distribution lines and a guide channel for an energy guiding chain, allowing for easy assembly, length adjustment, and retrofitting, with pivot bolts and hinge pins for articulation and lateral guidance, and a rotary drive mechanism for efficient energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional endlessly circulating link belt with integrated energy supply is used, then energy supply to consumers is achieved, but the system is not easily modular, adjustable in length, or retrofittable with additional supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular links that can be connected in series to form an endlessly circulating belt. Each link contains integrated energy supply components (channel for distribution lines, guide channel for energy guiding chain), allowing the system to be assembled in different lengths and configurations while maintaining adaptability and modularity without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each link is designed as a universal module that can perform multiple functions: structural support, energy distribution (via channel for distribution lines), energy guidance (via guide channel for energy guiding chain), and consumer mounting. This multi-functionality allows the same basic link structure to be used throughout the entire conveyor belt system, enhancing versatility while maintaining design simplicity
2Ease of manufacture
If the conveyor belt is designed as a fixed-length integrated system, then assembly is simplified, but length adjustment and retrofitting with additional supply lines become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt consists of multiple identical or similar links that can be connected in varying numbers to achieve different circulation lengths. Links can be easily added or removed from the endless circulating belt, and additional supply lines can be integrated into existing links or new links, allowing both easy assembly and flexible adaptation without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the conveyor belt configuration by adding or removing links and integrating additional supply lines into the modular structure. The endless circulating design with standardized link interfaces enables the system to adapt its length and supply line configuration dynamically based on operational requirements while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized connection mechanisms
3Reliability
If supply lines are integrated directly into the conveyor belt structure, then energy supply is reliable, but the system loses flexibility for length adjustment and retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
Energy supply is segmented into modular components within each link: distribution lines run through dedicated channels, and an energy guiding chain with guide channels provides additional energy transmission paths. This segmented integration ensures reliable energy supply within each link while allowing the overall system to be adjusted by adding or removing links and retrofitting supply lines into the modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The energy supply system is designed to be dynamically adaptable through the modular link structure. Distribution lines and energy guiding chains can be reconfigured by adding or removing links, and additional supply lines can be integrated into the channel structures of existing or new links, maintaining reliable energy supply while enabling flexible length adjustment and retrofitting
Data Source
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AI summary
An endlessly circulating link conveyor with an energy supply from a stationary source comprises a plurality of links (1) which are connected to one another such that they can pivot with respect to one another, jointly form a link conveyor which follows a running path over deflection rollers (6) and can be driven in a circulatory manner. The conveyor also comprises a cable drag chain (30), one end of which is entrained by the link conveyor and the other end of which is rotatably arranged within the circulatory path, said chain (30) allowing the link conveyor to be connected to supply lines (36).The links (1) of the link conveyor have a channel (2) for receiving distribution lines (40) and, laterally next to the channel, a guide groove (3) for guiding the cable drag chain (30), wherein the upper face of at least one of the links (1) has a mounting surface for consumers and one of the links (1) is equipped for connecting the running end (32) of the cable drag chain (30).