Multi-strand Flat Top Conveyor Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly line conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently transferring vehicles from undercarriage supports to wheel supports, particularly due to the difficulty in synchronizing multiple conveyor sections and the need for separate motors to drive each conveyor, which complicates access and increases costs and floor space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-strand flat top conveyor system that uses a single motor to drive multiple chains, providing a wide flat top conveyor section that allows easier access and synchronization, reducing the need for multiple motors and minimizing floor space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors are used to transfer the vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved through various areas and stations, but the system complexity increases and floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conveyor chains (first side conveyor chain and second side conveyor chain) into a single integrated conveyor system that operates as one unified unit. This merging of separate conveyor components into a combined system reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the capability to transfer vehicles through various assembly areas and stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed with universal chains that can perform multiple functions: supporting vehicle undercarriages, supporting vehicle wheels, and providing worker access pathways. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized conveyors for each function, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors are used to transfer the vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved through various areas and stations, but the floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning conveyor chains at different heights - the first side conveyor chain is positioned to support vehicle undercarriages while the second side conveyor chain is positioned to support vehicle wheels. This vertical arrangement allows multiple vehicle support functions within a compact horizontal footprint, reducing floor space requirements while maintaining versatile vehicle transfer capability.
3Ease of operation
If separate motors drive each conveyor, then each conveyor can be independently controlled, but the synchronization difficulty increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive systems of multiple conveyor chains into a single integrated drive mechanism. This unified drive system eliminates synchronization issues between separate motors while maintaining the ability to independently control different conveyor sections, as the single drive can selectively engage different chains as needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If spaced apart chains are used to align with vehicle wheels, then wheel support is provided, but worker access to all vehicle portions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate pathway or access corridor between the first side conveyor chain and the second side conveyor chain. This intermediary space allows workers to safely walk between the spaced-apart chains and access all portions of the vehicle during assembly operations, while the chains themselves remain properly positioned to support vehicle wheels.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle production assembly line includes a conveyor system to support a vehicle. The conveyor system includes a first side conveyor chain, a second side conveyor chain, and a middle conveyor chain positioned between the first side conveyor chain and the second side conveyor chain. The first side conveyor chain, the second side conveyor chain, and the middle conveyor chain are laterally aligned with each other and can be mechanically synchronized with a single motor.