Multi-Axial Transfer Apparatus with Bevel Gear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transfer devices in assembly lines are inefficient and costly due to their large size and separate driving assemblies, which limit their ability to handle goods of different sizes and require frequent reconfiguration, making them unsuitable for facilities with space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-axial transfer apparatus with a single motor-based drive assembly and integrated conveyor system, utilizing a bevel gear arrangement and pivot points to enable bidirectional and bi-axial movement of objects along multiple axes, including vertical and horizontal planes, without the need for additional tracks or reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate transfer devices with individual driving assemblies are used to handle goods in different directions, then the facility can achieve multi-directional goods transfer capability, but the device size increases drastically and power consumption scales up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conveyor assemblies (first and second conveyor assemblies arranged in parallel) into a single integrated transfer device. Both conveyor assemblies share common driving assemblies (first and second driving assemblies) and a single control unit, eliminating the need for separate driving mechanisms for each conveyor. This merging approach enables multi-directional transfer capability while significantly reducing device size and power consumption compared to using multiple independent transfer devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate transfer devices with individual driving assemblies are installed to handle goods in different directions, then the facility can achieve multi-directional goods transfer capability, but the power consumption and maintenance cost of an individual transfer device scales up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conveyor assemblies under a single power source system. The first and second driving assemblies share common motors and power supply, allowing the system to activate only the necessary driving assembly for each transfer operation rather than running multiple independent high-power systems. This shared power architecture reduces overall power consumption while maintaining multi-directional transfer capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same transfer device is installed with separate driving assemblies and multiple motors to handle movement in different directions, then multi-directional transfer is achieved, but the space occupied by different driving assemblies renders the transfer device inapt for facilities with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple conveyor assemblies into a compact configuration where the first and second conveyor assemblies are arranged in parallel and share common driving mechanisms. This shared architecture significantly reduces the space required compared to having separate driving assemblies for each conveyor, making the transfer device suitable for facilities with limited space while maintaining multi-directional transfer capability.
4Reliability
If conventional transfer devices are designed to handle goods of a specific size, then the transfer device can operate efficiently for that size range, but frequent reconfiguration is required to handle goods of different sizes resulting in sub-optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transfer device with universal handling capability through parallel conveyor assemblies that can be selectively activated. The control unit can route goods of different sizes and dimensions through appropriate conveyor paths by activating only the necessary driving assemblies. This multi-functional design allows the same transfer device to efficiently handle various goods sizes without frequent reconfiguration, maintaining reliable performance across different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for multi-axial transfer of objects in assembly line includes a first conveyor assembly, a second conveyor assembly, a first drive assembly, and a pivot point arrangement. The first conveyor assembly includes a plurality of rollers in a horizontal plane. The second conveyor assembly includes a plurality of geared chain arrangements mounted on at least one drive shaft. At least one of the plurality of rollers and the at least one drive shaft are coupled to the bevel gear arrangement. The first drive assembly includes a first motor coupled to the bevel gear arrangement to cause movement of an object in contact with the first conveyor assembly and the second conveyor assembly along a first axis and a second axis in the horizontal plane, respectively. The plurality of geared chain arrangements are movable along a third axis in a vertical plane using the pivot point arrangement.