Movable Linear Conveyor Support for Stable Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of a conveyor table between a movable linear conveyor and fixed linear conveyors arranged on both sides is hindered by the biasing of load, leading to sinking of the end portions and improper transfer.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance path switching apparatus with support mechanisms for both ends of the movable linear conveyor, guided by fixed linear conveyors, allows for stable transfer by inclining the movable conveyor in a switching direction and using drive sources to move between positions, ensuring firm support and accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the movable linear conveyor transfers the conveyor table to/from fixed linear conveyors arranged on both sides, then the conveyance path switching capability is improved, but the load bias causes end portion sinking and transfer failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into two independent support mechanisms, one for each end portion of the movable linear conveyor. Each support mechanism independently supports one end portion, allowing the system to handle bidirectional load biases without compromising transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanisms provide counterbalancing support forces to counteract the load bias that occurs when the conveyor table is positioned at either end of the movable linear conveyor. This prevents end portion sinking by applying upward support forces that counterbalance the downward load.
2Ease of operation
If the movable linear conveyor is positioned at end portions for transfer, then the conveyance path switching is enabled, but the end portion sinks down due to load bias
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into two separate support mechanisms, each dedicated to supporting one end portion of the movable linear conveyor. This segmentation ensures that each end portion receives independent support, maintaining stability during path switching operations regardless of which end is loaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanisms are positioned and activated in advance to support the end portions before the conveyor table is transferred. This preliminary support prevents end portion sinking from occurring during the transfer operation, ensuring stability is maintained throughout the process.
3Reliability
If support mechanisms are added to both ends of the movable linear conveyor, then the end portion sinking is prevented, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each support mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the end portion vertically, guiding the movable linear conveyor in the switching direction, and potentially providing drive functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanisms integrate multiple functions into unified structures. The guide parts are combined with the support structures, and drive sources are integrated into the support mechanisms. This merging of functions achieves the required reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The support mechanism has a conveyor support member attached to the end portion of the movable linear conveyor and a single axis robot that is attached to a fixed linear conveyor and guides the conveyor support member in the Y direction. By the support mechanism having the conveyor support member and the single axis robot, the end portion of the movable linear conveyor can be firmly supported with respect to the fixed linear conveyor. The support mechanism has the conveyor support member attached to the end portion of the movable linear conveyor and the Y-axis conveyor guide that is attached to the fixed linear conveyor and guides the conveyor support member in the Y direction. By the support mechanism having the conveyor support member and the Y-axis conveyor guide, the end portion of the movable linear conveyor can be firmly supported with respect to the fixed linear conveyor.