Modular Slat Conveyor Belt for Simplified Food Processing Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts used in food preparation devices, such as toasters, are expensive to produce, cumbersome to assemble, and difficult to repair or replace, which complicates maintenance and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor belt system featuring side-by-side slats with a rod connection mechanism and slat connection elements that allow for easy attachment and detachment, enabling simplified assembly and maintenance without specialized tools, using materials like stainless steel for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wire conveyor belts with interconnected rods and hooks are used, then the conveyor belt provides continuous support for food items, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular slat sections that can be independently assembled and attached to the rod framework. Each slat section functions as a discrete unit that can be quickly connected without requiring complex interlocking procedures, thereby reducing overall assembly time while maintaining continuous support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Slat sections are pre-assembled with connection elements attached before being installed on the conveyor belt. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation by simply attaching the pre-configured slat sections to the rod framework, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures and significantly reducing assembly time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional wire conveyor belts with multiple connection elements are used, then the conveyor belt structure is stable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is segmented into modular slat sections that can be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes. Each slat section requires fewer connection elements and less complex fabrication, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while the modular design maintains overall structural stability through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The slat sections are designed as replaceable components that can be manufactured at lower cost using simpler materials and processes. Instead of creating a single complex continuous belt structure requiring expensive specialized manufacturing, the system uses multiple simpler slat sections that can be produced more economically and replaced individually if needed.
3Shape
If traditional wire conveyor belts are used, then the conveyor belt provides flat support surface, but field maintenance and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into modular slat sections that can be independently removed and replaced in the field. If a slat becomes damaged or worn, only that specific section needs to be detached and replaced rather than replacing the entire conveyor belt, significantly simplifying field maintenance and repair operations while maintaining the flat support surface required for food item conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The slat sections are designed as replaceable components that can be easily detached from the rod framework in the field. Damaged or worn slats can be quickly removed and replaced with new sections, allowing for efficient field maintenance without requiring specialized tools or extensive disassembly procedures.
4Strength
If conveyor belts with complex connection mechanisms are used, then the conveyor belt is durable, but the assembly and disassembly processes become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system uses modular slat sections with simplified connection interfaces that attach to the rod framework. Each slat section incorporates connection elements designed for quick attachment and detachment, allowing durable construction without requiring complex assembly procedures. The modular design enables easy assembly by simply connecting pre-prepared slat sections to the rod structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements are pre-attached to slat sections during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex field assembly procedures. The pre-configured slat sections can be quickly installed by simply attaching them to the rod framework, making the assembly process straightforward while maintaining durability through robust pre-installed connection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt system provides a continuous flat support surface for a food item that moves the food item through a food preparation device. The conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced apart rods and a plurality of slats that are removably attached to the conveyor belt with a rod connection mechanism. The slats also include a lateral connection mechanism for lateral removable attachment to an adjacent slat. The slats are easily assembled and provide enhanced field service and/or replacement capability.