Motor-Driven Conveyor Roller With Selective Zone Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyors require independent electrical drive systems and control systems for each zone, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a motor driven roller (MDR) featuring independent pulleys and a fixed pulley, allowing selective engagement to drive multiple conveying sections efficiently, reducing the need for multiple drive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent electrical drive systems and control systems are used for each conveyor zone, then each zone can be controlled independently, but the cost and complexity of the overall conveyor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent drive systems into a single motor driven roller that can selectively engage with different pulleys to drive multiple conveying sections. Instead of having separate motors and control systems for each zone, one motor drives a shared roller with multiple independently controllable pulleys, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent zone control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The motor driven roller serves multiple functions by incorporating several pulleys (first, second, and third pulleys) that can be selectively engaged to drive different conveying sections. This universal component replaces multiple specialized drive systems, allowing one motor to perform the work of multiple motors while maintaining the ability to control each zone independently
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent drive systems are used for different conveying sections, then each section can operate independently, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single motor driven roller with selectively engageable pulleys. The first, second, and third pulleys can be independently engaged to drive different conveying sections, allowing independent section operation while using only one motor system instead of multiple independent drive systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of pulleys with the motor driven roller based on operational requirements. The pulleys can be selectively connected or disconnected from the motor drive, enabling flexible and independent control of different conveying sections while using a single motor system, thereby reducing overall system cost
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
The system achieves efficient operation of multiple conveying sections with reduced costs and maintenance, improving overall conveyor efficiency by selectively engaging pulleys based on package presence.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnet clutch, a first electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein relate to management of a conveyor system. In this regard, a conveyor system includes a first set of slave rollers defining a first conveying section and a second set of slave rollers defining a second conveying section separate from the first conveying section. The conveyor system further includes a motor driven roller including at least a fixed pulley, a first independent pulley, and a second independent pulley. In addition, the first independent pulley is coupled with the first set of slave rollers and the second independent pulley is coupled with the second set of slave rollers. Moreover, the motor driven roller is configured to drive at least one of the first set of slave rollers or the second set of slave rollers based on selective engagement of at least one of the first independent pulley or the second independent pulley.