Polymeric Conveyor Underguard with Removable Flanges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor guards are not adaptable for interchangeable use, are heavy and expensive when made of metal, and have short lifespans due to damage from falling objects when made of plastic film, failing to effectively protect operators and maintain structural integrity in industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor underguard made of polymeric material with a planar body pan and side walls, featuring removable side flanges and mounting flanges with elongated apertures and V-shaped slots for easy adaptation and installation, along with raised rings for tactile feedback and reduced weight through strategically placed apertures, allowing for customizable length and enhanced structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal mesh or non-reinforced plastic film material is used for conveyor guards, then protection against operator contact is provided, but the guards become heavy and expensive (metal) or have short lifespans due to damage (plastic film)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguard lifespanVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The guard assembly combines a rigid polymeric material body (body pan with side walls and end walls) for structural support with a metal mesh panel for protective function. This composite structure provides both the strength needed for durability and the protective coverage required, while the polymeric body reduces overall weight compared to all-metal constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The guard is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid polymeric support structure (body pan, side walls, end walls) and a separate protective panel (metal mesh or alternative material). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the polymeric body for structural integrity and weight reduction, and the panel for operator protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If metal material is used for conveyor guards, then structural integrity is maintained, but the guards become heavy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidguard weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials are used in different regions of the guard assembly - the polymeric material body provides structural support where strength is needed, while the metal mesh panel provides protective coverage where operator contact prevention is the primary function. This local differentiation optimizes both weight and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conveyor guards are designed for specific locations, then installation is straightforward, but the guards are not adaptable for interchangeable use in multiple locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeable useVSAvoidguard design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guard assembly uses standardized mounting flanges with elongated apertures and raised rings that can accommodate various fastening methods and configurations. The body pan includes multiple equally spaced parallel slots for customization, allowing the same basic guard design to be adapted to different conveyor locations and configurations without requiring completely different guard models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting flanges are designed with elongated apertures that allow adjustment of fastener positions, and the body pan includes slots that enable customization of the guard configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the guard to be modified for different applications while maintaining a standardized base design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If mounting flanges are permanently attached, then structural integrity is maintained, but the flanges cannot be removed for adaptation or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange removabilityVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting flanges are pre-attached to the side walls during manufacturing with integral construction, providing immediate structural integrity. However, the design incorporates V-shaped slots that enable future removal if needed, allowing the guard to transition from a permanently attached state to a removable state when adaptability becomes necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting flanges are designed as separable components that can be distinguished from the main body pan, with V-shaped slots providing predetermined break lines. This segmentation allows the flanges to remain attached during normal operation for structural integrity, but can be separated when adaptation or replacement is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2969860B1Conveyor underguard

Publication Date: 2018.10.10 DEMATIC CORP

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AI summary

A conveyor underguard that is adapted for use with a conveyor having a pair of spaced apart side channels, each having a lower flange and a plurality of openings on each flange, includes a guard surface and a pair of mounting members, each extending outwardly generally parallel to the guard surface and defining fastener openings. The fastener openings are spaced apart in a manner that aligns with the through-openings of the conveyor.