Modular Slat Conveyor Belt Tool-Free Assembly Hygiene

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular conveyor belts face hygiene issues and complexity in assembly and disassembly due to the use of bolts, screws, and other dirt-trapping connectors, which complicate the process of cleaning, replacement, and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A slat conveyor belt system featuring modules with connecting tabs that can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools, where each slat is coupled to a drive module through an endless loop, allowing for selective separation of slats from the drive modules for cleaning, replacement, or disassembly, and a magazine for automatic removal and storage of slats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bolts, screws and other connectors are used to attach slats to the endless chain, then the conveyor belt structure is stable and reliable, but hygiene is compromised and assembly/disassembly becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor belt structure stabilityVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt is divided into modular slat units that can be independently attached and detached from the endless chain. Each slat is a separate component with connection features that allow easy coupling and decoupling, enabling segmented assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening systems throughout the entire conveyor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is extracted from the slat body itself and placed into the endless chain structure. The endless chain includes dedicated connection features (such as recesses or engagement structures) that interface with the slats, separating the connection function from the slat component and allowing for easier cleaning and hygiene maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If bolts, screws and other connectors are used to attach slats to the endless chain, then the conveyor belt structure is stable and reliable, but assembly and disassembly becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyor belt structure stabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt is divided into modular slat units that can be independently attached and detached from the endless chain. Each slat is a separate component with connection features that allow easy coupling and decoupling, enabling segmented assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening systems throughout the entire conveyor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static, permanent fastenings (bolts, screws) to a dynamic, reversible connection mechanism. The endless chain with its integrated connection features allows slats to be easily coupled and decoupled through simple insertion and removal actions, providing operational flexibility while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional connectors are used, then the conveyor belt can maintain structural integrity, but cleaning and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt is divided into modular slat units that can be independently attached and detached from the endless chain. Each slat is a separate component with connection features that allow easy coupling and decoupling, enabling segmented assembly and disassembly without requiring complex fastening systems throughout the entire conveyor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is extracted from the slat body itself and placed into the endless chain structure. The endless chain includes dedicated connection features (such as recesses or engagement structures) that interface with the slats, separating the connection function from the slat component and allowing for easier cleaning and hygiene maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11724884B2Modular slat conveyor belt

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 LAITRAM LLC

AI summary

A slat conveyor belt includes connected drive modules that can be easily disassembled and assembled. Each drive module comprises a slat portion connected to a drive portion forming a drive chain. A conveyor frame for the conveyor belt includes a dust cover for the drive chain and a separator for selectively separating a slat portion from an associated drive portion. A magazine automatically removes and stores separated slats.