Pivotable Conveyor Segments for High-Speed Diversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently diverting products from one conveying path into multiple paths at high speeds without requiring a large footprint, especially when dealing with irregular product patterns and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a pivotable upstream and downstream segment mechanism, linked by a conveyor shift mechanism that allows lateral movement of the outlet end of the upstream segment to simultaneously pivot the inlet end of the downstream segment, enabling high-speed diversion into multiple paths while maintaining a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional diversion mechanism is used to divert products from one conveying path to another, then the diversion function is achieved, but the system requires a large footprint and cannot operate at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conveyor segments pivotable rather than fixed. The upstream and downstream conveyor segments can pivot laterally relative to each other, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically during operation. This dynamic capability enables high-speed diversion by allowing the conveyor to quickly change its path without requiring a large static footprint, as the segments can be repositioned on-the-fly to divert products at speed.
2Speed
If the conveyor segments are made pivotable to enable high-speed diversion, then diversion speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the pivot mechanism functionality into an integrated conveyor system. Rather than using separate, complex diversion devices, the invention merges the diversion capability into the conveyor structure itself through pivotable segments. This integration reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for additional standalone diversion mechanisms, while still achieving high-speed diversion through the coordinated pivoting of conveyor segments.
3Productivity
If the outlet end of upstream segment and inlet end of downstream segment are linked for simultaneous lateral movement, then high-speed diversion is enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a link mechanism that connects the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment to the inlet end of the downstream segment. This link acts as an intermediary that coordinates the lateral movement of the two segments, ensuring they move simultaneously in opposite directions. The link mechanism simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a clear, standardized connection point that facilitates precise alignment and coordinated movement, making the complex pivoting action easier to manufacture and assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for diverting objects traveling along a conveyor includes an upstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end and a downstream conveyor segment having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment is located to receive items from the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment. A conveyor shift mechanism is linked to both the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment and the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment for carrying out lateral movement of the outlet end of the upstream conveyor segment in one lateral direction while simultaneously carrying out lateral movement of the inlet end of the downstream conveyor segment in an opposite lateral direction.