Pallet Conveyor Belt Segmentation for Fast Transfer and Accurate Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallet conveying devices with constant pitch conveyors require a larger number of pallets due to fixed intervals, leading to longer processing times between machine tools, as the conveying speed is reduced when approaching a machine tool and intervals between pallets are maintained constant.
Innovation Solution
A pallet conveying device featuring a circulating belt with a stopper mechanism and a conveying belt with a different speed, allowing for increased conveying speed on the conveying belt to reduce the number of pallets required by optimizing the interval between processing points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveying speed is reduced when approaching a machine tool to perform processing, then the workpiece can be properly positioned for processing, but the processing time between machine tools increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating belt is segmented into two distinct sections: a free flow belt section where pallets can be stopped at processing positions, and a conveying belt section that operates at high speed to transport pallets between processing stations. This segmentation allows different speed regimes in different zones, maintaining positioning accuracy at machine tools while achieving high overall throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode of different belt sections based on operational requirements. The free flow belt section allows dynamic stopping at processing positions for accurate positioning, while the conveying belt section maintains continuous high-speed operation. The stopper mechanism provides dynamic control to halt pallets only where and when needed for processing.
2Productivity
If the number of pallets is increased to maintain constant intervals between processing operations, then continuous processing can be achieved, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the conventional constant-interval pallet arrangement with a dynamic timing-based approach. By controlling the timing of pallet release from the stopper mechanism and utilizing high-speed conveyance, the system achieves continuous processing with fewer pallets. The dynamic coordination between the free flow belt, stopper mechanism, and conveying belt allows optimized pallet spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter from constant pallet intervals to variable timing-based pallet spacing. By adjusting the timing of pallet release and the conveying speed, the system optimizes the number of pallets needed while maintaining continuous processing capability. This parameter change allows more flexible and efficient pallet management.
3Device complexity
If a constant pitch conveyor is used to maintain fixed intervals between pallets, then the conveyor structure is simplified, but the flexibility to optimize processing intervals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is segmented into two functional sections with different characteristics: the free flow belt section provides simple structure with stopper mechanisms for positioning, while the conveying belt section provides high-speed transport capability. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating belt serves multiple functions: it acts as a free flow conveyor for positioning pallets at processing stations, and as a high-speed conveying belt for transporting pallets between stations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate conveyor systems while maintaining adaptability for different processing intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet conveying device includes a circulating belt provided to extend along a conveying path so as to be capable of being circulated, the circulating belt being configured to convey a pallet, a driving mechanism configured to circulate the circulating belt, and a stopper mechanism configured to stop conveying of the pallet regardless of the circulation of the circulating belt. The circulating belt has a free flow belt capable of stopping the conveying of the pallet by the stopper mechanism, and a conveying belt provided continuously to the free flow belt. A circulating speed of the conveying belt is different from a circulating speed of the free flow belt.