Modular Taper Cover Segments for Conical Roller Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing and assembly process of existing tapered conveyor rollers is time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A taper cover segment configured to fit circumferentially around a straight roller, featuring a main body with a frustum shape, ribs for grip, cavities for weight adjustment, and a locking arrangement for detachable connection, allowing for efficient assembly and curved path formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional tapered conveyor rollers are manufactured and assembled, then the conveyor system can transfer goods in a curved line, but the manufacturing and assembly process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor roller is divided into multiple modular components: a straight roller core and separate taper cover segments that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. The taper cover is segmented into multiple identical sections that wrap around the straight roller, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and rapid assembly through interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The taper cover segments are designed to wrap around and encase the straight roller core, with each segment nesting over the previous one to form a complete tapered roller. The locking arrangement allows segments to be sequentially attached to the core, creating a nested assembly structure that simplifies both manufacturing and assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If taper cover segments are used to encase the straight roller, then assembly is simplified and costs are reduced, but the segments must be securely locked together to maintain structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: it simultaneously secures the taper cover segment to the straight roller core and connects adjacent taper cover segments together. The latch mechanism combines the attachment and locking functions, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Productivity
If weights are positioned within cavities to offset the center of mass, then rotational acceleration is controlled, but the complexity of adjusting weight distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight adjustment mechanism is pre-configured during manufacturing with cavities positioned at specific locations on the taper cover segments. Standardized weight components can be inserted into these pre-positioned cavities to achieve the desired center of mass offset, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments and simplifying the overall system while maintaining rotational control capability.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A taper cover segment (104) configured to fit circumferentially around a straight roller is disclosed. The taper cover segment (104) comprising a main body (108) having an inner surface (204) and an outer surface (206), a plurality of ribs (202) that are monolithic with the main body (108) and extend radially inward from the inner surface (204) of the main body (108). Each rib (202) has a claw shaped edge that is configured to provide grip between the rib and the straight roller. A plurality of cavities (216) is defined between adjacent ribs (202) of the plurality of ribs. A locking arrangement is monolithic with a first end of the main body, and is configured to detachably connect the taper cover segment with another taper cover segment to form a taper cover for encasing the straight roller. The taper cover segment (104) defines a longitudinal axis, and a center of mass of the taper cover segment can be offset from the longitudinal axis.