Pivotable Conveyor Support for Belt Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods require dismantling of the conveyor frame to replace a damaged seamless one-piece conveyor belt, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable connector system that allows the conveyor belt to be removed and replaced without disassembling the conveyor frame, utilizing a pivotable support linked to the conveyor frame's leg, enabling temporary openings for belt removal and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the conveyor frame is dismantled to replace a seamless one-piece conveyor belt, then the belt can be removed and replaced, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor belt replacementVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor frame is divided into modular sections with pivotable connectors that can be independently opened and closed. This segmentation allows the belt to be accessed and replaced without dismantling the entire frame structure, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining frame stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable connector introduces dynamic functionality to the previously static frame structure. The connector can pivot between locked and open positions, enabling quick access to the belt for replacement without permanent disassembly, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the pivotable connector is opened to remove the conveyor belt, then the belt can be replaced without dismantling the frame, but the frame stability is temporarily compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebelt replacement simplicityVSAvoidframe stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable connector is designed with pre-positioned locking mechanisms and alignment features that ensure the frame returns to its stable configuration immediately after belt replacement. The connector's geometry is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock, restoring frame stability without requiring additional assembly steps or temporary support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7497326B2Pivotable support for a conveyor and method of replacing a damaged conveyor belt
Publication Date: 2009.03.03 TRANSNORM SYST
  • US7497326B2 patent drawing
  • US7497326B2 patent drawing
  • US7497326B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is related to the replacement of a damaged conveyor belt. Opening the pivotable support associated with the conveyor's leg allows the damaged conveyor belt to be removed from the conveyor without dismantling numerous sections of the belt holder.