Electric Pallet Conveyor Slide Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems for transporting heavy or bulky materials often require manual labor, which is strenuous and costly, and lack efficient solutions for navigating complex paths.
Innovation Solution
An electric pallet conveyor system with a self-contained drive system, including a motor, power supply, and drivetrain, that propels a slide along a track, utilizing guide blocks and rollers to maintain contact and navigate bends, enabling efficient and automated transportation of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional conveyor systems are used to transport heavy or bulky materials, then transportation function is provided, but manual labor is required which is strenuous and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates self-contained drive systems on each slide that automatically propel payloads along the track without requiring manual labor. The slides autonomously navigate the track including bends and curves, eliminating the need for human operators to physically move heavy materials while maintaining high transportation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical labor with automated electric drive systems. Each slide has its own motor and drivetrain that converts rotational torque to linear force, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical systems that are both efficient and cost-effective
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyor systems are used, then simple linear transportation is achieved, but navigation of complex paths is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent slides, each with its own drive system. This segmentation allows each slide to independently navigate the track, enabling complex path routing through bends and curves while keeping individual slide designs relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The slides are designed to be dynamically movable along the track rather than fixed. Each slide can actively propel itself and adjust its position, enabling the system to handle complex paths and varying transportation routes without requiring overly complex fixed infrastructure
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
The system provides a cost-effective and efficient means to transport objects along a track, reducing manual labor and enabling navigation of complex paths, enhancing productivity and safety in manufacturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
The drive system may include a motor for generating a rotational torque and a power supply for operating the motor. A drivetrain operably connects the motor to the electric pallet conveyor to move the slide along the track. The drivetrain operates to convert rotational torque produced by the motor to a linear force
Data Source
AI summary
An electric pallet conveyor includes a slide moveably supported on a guide-rail of a track. The electric pallet includes a motor for propelling the slide along the guide rail. A first gear pulley is attached to the slide and rotatable about a first gear pulley axis of rotation in response to a rotational torque output from the motor. A second gear pulley displaced from the first gear pulley is rotatable about a second gear pulley axis of rotation. A pulley belt connects the first gear pulley to the second gear pulley and is operable for transferring a rotational torque from the first gear pulley to the second gear pulley. A drive pulley fixedly attached to the second gear pulley engages a drive rail of the track to propel the slide along the guide-rail.