Multi-Axis Conveyor Roller for Direction Change in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems require large installations due to complex branching conveyor lines, limiting their ability to efficiently convey objects in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device with a rotating body that can change direction by rotating around multiple axes, allowing for flexible conveyance by a driving body that contacts the rotating body at an eccentric position, enabling power transmission in various directions without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transfer devices with linear main conveying passages and orthogonal sub conveying passages are used, then conveyance objects can be transferred to other conveyor lines, but the sorting system requires complicated branching conveyor lines and large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device employs a rotating body that can dynamically change its orientation by rotating around a first rotation axis, and the entire assembly can rotate around a second rotation axis. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the conveyor to adapt its conveyance direction in real-time, eliminating the need for fixed complex branching structures and reducing installation space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-axis rotation capability, adding a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. This dimensional addition enables the conveyor to change direction in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to planar branching, significantly compacting the system footprint while maintaining versatile conveyance capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transfer devices are arranged to create branched conveyor lines for sorting, then conveyance objects can be delivered to specific destinations, but the system becomes complicated and requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
Each conveyor device is designed as a universal unit capable of conveying objects in multiple directions through multi-axis rotation. This multi-functionality allows a single type of device to replace multiple specialized transfer devices, simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining comprehensive sorting capability across different destinations
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation capability around two perpendicular axes enables each conveyor device to adapt its orientation to different sorting requirements in real-time, replacing the need for pre-configured complex branching lines with flexible, reconfigurable individual units
3Ease of operation
If transfer devices use fixed conveying passages for linear and orthogonal conveyance, then objects can be transferred systematically, but the system requires large installation space and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device replaces fixed conveying passages with a dynamic rotating body that can change orientation around a first rotation axis, and the entire assembly can rotate around a second rotation axis. This dynamic structure provides operational flexibility equivalent to complex fixed branching systems but occupies significantly less installation space
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
Enables efficient conveyance of objects in multiple directions within a narrow space, reducing the need for extensive installations and enhancing the flexibility of sorting systems.
Implementation Method 1
the driving body is in contact with the rotating body at a position eccentric to one end in the direction of the first rotation axis relative to the second rotation axis, and regardless of attitude-changing of the rotating body, the rotating body is rotated with rotation of the driving body
Data Source
AI summary
An objective is to develop a conveyor device capable of conveying a conveyance object in a plurality of directions. The conveyor device includes a roller portion (rotating body) 30 and a driving body 50. The rotating body 30 is rotatable around at least a first rotation axis 60, and the rotating body is rotatable around a second rotation axis 61 in a direction intersecting with the first rotation axis 60, and changes an attitude by rotating to change a direction of the first rotation axis 60. The driving body 50 is rotated by power around a third rotation axis 62, and the third rotation axis 62 extends in a direction intersecting with the first rotation axis 60. The driving body 50 is in contact with the rotating body at a position eccentric to one end in the direction of the first rotation axis 60 relative to the second rotation axis 61 regardless of attitude-changing of the rotating body.