Plate Conveyor Belt Track Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate conveyor belts for moving walkways face challenges in matching the length of tracks to the conveyor belt, especially when curves with different radii and forms are involved, leading to deviations that require on-site compensation during construction.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of length adjusting pieces with oblique edges and coupling pieces between track elements allows for simple adjustment of track length to match the conveyor belt length, using sets of pieces with different dimensions for precise alignment and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the length of tracks is fixed based on plate conveyor element length, then the track structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the track length cannot be precisely matched to the conveyor belt length, requiring on-site compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The track structure is divided into modular track elements that can be connected together. Each track element contains integrated coupling pieces for central tracks and length adjusting pieces for outer tracks, allowing the track length to be precisely adjusted by selecting different numbers and configurations of modular elements to match the conveyor belt length.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pieces and length adjusting pieces are integrated within the track elements themselves. The coupling pieces are embedded in the track elements to connect central tracks, while length adjusting pieces are built into the outer tracks, creating a nested structure where adjustment mechanisms are contained within the track elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site compensation is performed to match track length to conveyor belt length, then track length can be adjusted, but the construction process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The track elements are pre-manufactured with integrated coupling pieces and length adjusting pieces in various configurations. This preliminary preparation allows the tracks to be quickly assembled and adjusted on-site by simply selecting and connecting the appropriate pre-fabricated elements, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site modification and compensation work.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple length adjusting pieces with different dimensions are provided, then precise length adjustment is possible, but the inventory and selection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The track elements are designed as universal modular units that can be used in various configurations. Each track element contains both coupling pieces for central track connection and length adjusting pieces for outer track adjustment, allowing a limited set of standardized elements to achieve multiple length adjustments and configurations, reducing the variety of unique parts needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate conveyor for moving walkways contains a track system having tracks, which track system is formed by track elements, and a central track serving as a guide for plate conveyor elements of the plate conveyor. The length of the track system can be adjusted. For this purpose, substantially triangular openings which are delimited by bars are provided between track elements that adjoin one another. Triangular or trapezoidal length adjusting pieces are inserted into the openings and are pushed in to such an extent that the oblique edges of the length adjusting pieces abut the edges of the openings formed by the bars. The central tracks of the track elements that adjoin one another are connected to one another by coupling pieces.