Overhead Track Segment Interconnection for Conveying Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveying systems for parts in processing apparatuses are inefficient and unsafe, as they require tailor-made tracks and traversers that obstruct worker access between lines, leading to delays and safety hazards, especially in wet-chemical processing where workers risk being hit by suspended workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable support structure that allows track segments to align and rotate, enabling seamless movement between lines without transferring parts, allowing workers to safely access areas between processing lines and reducing delays by eliminating the need for part transfer between carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tailor-made tracks and traversers are used to convey parts between assembly lines, then the conveying system can be customized for specific plant requirements, but workers cannot move between lines and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the conveying system from ground level to overhead suspension, changing the vertical dimension of operation. This allows workers to move freely at ground level while parts are conveyed above them, eliminating the safety hazard of workers being in the path of moving parts while maintaining customized conveying paths between assembly lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead conveying system serves multiple functions: it conveys parts between customized locations, provides clear pathways for worker movement below, and allows flexible routing overhead. This single system configuration addresses both the need for customization and worker safety simultaneously.
2Productivity
If traversers are used to transfer mobile carriers between lines, then parts can be conveyed between assembly lines, but the traversers obstruct worker access and create safety dangers
Solution Approach 1:
The system transfers parts overhead rather than at ground level. Mobile carriers are suspended from overhead tracks and can be moved between lines above worker head level, eliminating obstruction to worker movement while maintaining part transfer capability between assembly lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead mobile carrier acts as an intermediary that carries parts between lines without requiring ground-level transfer mechanisms. Workers move freely below while the carrier system operates independently overhead, mediating the part transfer function without interfering with worker access.
3Productivity
If mobile carriers with suspended workpieces are used, then parts can be transported efficiently, but workers risk being hit by workpieces at worker level
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile carriers and suspended workpieces are positioned in the vertical dimension above worker level. Parts are transported efficiently overhead while workers operate safely below, separating the productive function from the human workspace vertically to eliminate the hazard of workpieces being at worker level.
4Reliability
If fixed tracks are used for conveying systems, then the structure is stable and reliable, but the system lacks flexibility for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mobile carriers that can move along fixed overhead tracks rather than fixed conveyors. The tracks provide structural stability and reliability, while the mobile carriers provide dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the conveying path to be adjusted by moving carriers to different positions or lines as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system is segmented into discrete mobile carrier units that operate independently on the fixed track infrastructure. This allows individual carriers to be repositioned or reassigned to different lines while the overall track structure remains stable, providing both reliability and flexibility for reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for interconnecting a first line (1 a) and a second line (1 b) of an overhead conveying system for conveying parts to be treated through a processing apparatus by means of at least one product carrier (7) comprising a transporter (19) and a part depending downwards from the transporter (19), in use, the transporter (19) comprising at least one runner (36,37) supported on at least one track (10a,b) comprises a main support structure (47). The device further comprises a movable support structure (48), at least indirectly supported by and movable relative to the main support structure (47) between at least a first position and a second position. The movable support structure (48) comprises at least one track segment (50a,b) for supporting at least one runner (36,37) of a transporter (19) in a support direction (z). Each track segment (50a,b) is alignable with a respective track (10a,b) of the first line (1a) in the first position and with a respective track (10a,b) of the second line (1 b) in the second position such that an end of the track segment (50a,b) adjoins an end of the aligned track (10a,b) to allow a runner (36,37) to cross over between the aligned track (10a,b) and track segment (50a,b). The movement between the first position and the second position comprises a rotation about an axis (54) parallel to the support direction (z) and a translation with at least a component in axial direction. The at least one track segments (50a,b) comprise at least two track segments (50a,b), spaced apart in lateral direction. The movable support structure (48) defines a space for receiving at least part of a product carrier (7). The space is open at a top between the spaced-apart track segments (50a,b) and at opposite ends in longitudinal direction.