Motorized Roller Turntable Conveyor Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems face inefficiencies in redirecting articles between inbound and outbound conveyors, particularly in changing directions without reorienting the articles, and often require costly modifications to existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A turntable conveyor system with a rotatable support and driven conveying surface, capable of rotating to multiple orientations to redirect articles between inbound and outbound conveyors without altering their orientation, utilizing a first drive system for rotating the support and a second drive system for driving the conveying surface, which includes sets of rollers that can operate in opposite directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional right angle transfer devices with spaced rollers and transfer blades are used to redirect articles, then the conveying direction can be altered, but the articles must be reoriented and the equipment requires costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable conveyor employs a rotatable support structure that can dynamically change orientation angles to redirect articles between conveyors at different positions and orientations. This dynamic positioning capability eliminates the need for fixed, complex transfer mechanisms while maintaining versatile conveying direction control
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable conveyor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a receiving surface for inbound articles and a discharge surface for outbound articles, while simultaneously providing orientation adjustment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate transfer devices into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If traditional right angle transfer devices are used to change conveying direction, then articles can be redirected, but the articles require reorientation which adds time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying surface is designed to rotate dynamically during the transfer process, allowing the article to be redirected to a different conveyor position without requiring separate reorientation steps. The surface orientation changes continuously to match the target conveyor's angle, eliminating idle reorientation time
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable conveyor pre-positions the conveying surface at the appropriate orientation before the article arrives, and maintains this orientation throughout the transfer. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming reorientation actions after article placement
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors are accommodated with fixed transfer devices, then specific routing is achieved, but the system lacks flexibility for various conveyor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support enables the conveying surface to be positioned at various angles to accommodate different conveyor configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same turntable unit to serve multiple routing patterns and conveyor arrangements without requiring custom-built transfer devices for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable conveyor is designed as a universal transfer solution that can interface with multiple inbound and outbound conveyors at different positions and orientations. This universality allows a single standardized unit to replace multiple specialized transfer devices, simplifying installation and maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor system includes a turntable conveyor comprising a stationary frame, a rotatable support on the stationary frame, and a drive system operable to rotate the rotatable support about a vertical axis. A circular conveying surface is supported on the rotatable support and is configured to convey articles supported thereon in a conveying direction when driven. One or more input conveyors and one or more output conveyors are positioned about the turntable conveyor. The conveying surface comprises a plurality of rollers that are rotationally driven and include a first set of rollers defining a first rotational surface and a second set of rollers defining a second rotational surface, where the conveying surface is configured to receive an article from a selected one of the inbound conveyors and to discharge the article to a selected one of the outbound conveyors.