Portable Roller Dislodging Device for Jammed Conveyor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor systems lack effective means to dislodge jammed rollers, especially those that are permanently fixed or removably attached, and do not offer remote control options for dislodgment.

Innovation Solution

A portable conveyor roller dislodging device equipped with a motor, motor shaft, roller engaging means, wireless remote control, controller, and coupling means for secure attachment to conveyor rails, allowing for remote operation to dislodge jammed rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional jam protection features are used with central processing means and software programs, then rollers can be stopped for a predetermined interval, but the rollers cannot be actually dislodged if jammed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejam protection capabilityVSAvoidroller dislodgment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the dislodgment function from the conventional jam protection system. Instead of relying solely on software-controlled stopping, a separate mechanical dislodgment device is introduced that can physically dislodge jammed rollers through motor-driven engagement with the roller surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dislodgment device acts as an intermediary between the control system and the jammed roller. It receives control signals and translates them into mechanical action through the motor and engagement mechanism, providing a bridge between electronic control and physical dislodgment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If permanently fixed dislodgment devices are installed on conveyors, then roller dislodgment can be achieved, but the devices lack portability and flexibility for different conveyor configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller dislodgment capabilityVSAvoidapplicability to different conveyor configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dislodgment device is segmented into separate functional components: motor assembly, engagement mechanism, and mounting interface. This modular design allows the device to be detached and repositioned along the conveyor rail to different locations as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static, permanently fixed installation to a dynamic, repositionable system. The mounting mechanism allows the device to be securely attached at any position along the conveyor rail, enabling adaptation to different conveyor configurations and roller locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual dislodgment methods are used, then rollers can be dislodged, but remote control capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual dislodgment capabilityVSAvoidremote control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives signals from the engagement mechanism and motor status, and adjusts operation accordingly. This allows for automated control while maintaining safety and effectiveness in the dislodgment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical dislodgment operations with an automated motor-driven system. The motor, controlled remotely through the controller, substitutes for manual effort, enabling automated dislodgment while maintaining the mechanical engagement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a portable dislodgment device is created, then flexibility and remote operation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and remote operation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the motor provides drive power, the engagement mechanism provides roller contact, the controller provides remote control, and the mounting interface provides portability. This consolidation achieves versatility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dislodgment device is designed with universal applicability through standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable positioning capabilities. The same basic device can be applied to different conveyor types and roller configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and remote dislodgment of jammed rollers on conveyors, improving operational efficiency and flexibility by providing a portable solution for various conveyor configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The motor, controller, and power supply are enclosed within a protective housing. According to one embodiment, the roller engaging means couples the motor shaft to the jammed roller. Activation of the motor actuates rotation of the motor shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11878872B2Portable conveyor roller dislodging device
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 CIPRIANI ANDREW K
  • US11878872B2 patent drawing
  • US11878872B2 patent drawing
  • US11878872B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable roller dislodging device is disclosed. The device is configured to dislodge a jammed roller of a conventional conveyor. The device may be detachably secured to the rail of the conveyor about any selectively-desired position. The device includes a motor, a rotating motor shaft, and a means for coupling the motor shaft to the jammed roller to facilitate dislodgement thereof. The device may be operated remotely via a wireless remote control device.