Multi-Connector for Extendable Conveyor Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The working areas surrounding extendable conveyors are often uncomfortable, hazardous, and difficult to attract personnel to, due to cramped and poorly lit conditions, increasing the risk of injury during loading and unloading operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-connector system that allows easy connection and disconnection of external components such as lights, fans, and vacuum lifting systems to the extendable conveyor, providing improved comfort and safety by illuminating the area, improving visibility, and enhancing the working environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If extendable conveyors are used for loading and unloading packages, then productivity is improved, but the working area becomes hazardous and uncomfortable for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (multi-connector with external components like lights, fans, and vacuum systems) that mediates between the conveyor and the working environment, improving safety and comfort without affecting the core loading/unloading productivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the working area is illuminated and ventilated, then comfort and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment, electrical power supply, data communication, and vacuum supply. This universal interface reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated solution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines mechanical connection, electrical connections, data connections, and vacuum connections into a single multi-connector assembly. This merging of multiple connection types into one unified interface simplifies installation and reduces the number of separate components needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external components are connected to the conveyor, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple connections required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (mechanical, electrical, data, vacuum) are merged into a single multi-connector unit. This allows all connections to be made simultaneously through one attachment action rather than requiring multiple separate connection steps
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-connector is designed as a universal interface that can connect to various external components (lights, fans, vacuum systems) through a single standardized connection, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A multi-connector (4) for connecting at least one external component (14) to an extendable conveyor (1), the extendable conveyor (1) having at least one mechanically extendable section (15) and a conveying surface (2) for conveying articles extending at least partially on an upper side of the at least one mechanically extendable section (15), wherein the multi-connector (4) has: a standardized mechanical connection section (7) which can mechanically attach the at least one external component (14), a fastening section for fastening the multi-connector (4) to the extendable conveyor (1), and a standardized functional connection section (6) which can provide an electric and/or vacuum supply for the at least one external component (14).