Independent Rail Sliders for Conveyor Switch Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail systems with continuously operating switches face challenges in accommodating different track widths and generate undesirable vibrations due to the need to accelerate and brake large masses during point changes, especially when installed on steel structures.
Innovation Solution
The rail system employs two independent movable sliders, each with its own drive, controlled separately by a control device, allowing for independent configuration of movable rail sections and staggered activation to minimize mass acceleration and braking, thus reducing vibrations and enabling use with various track widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all movable rail sections are mounted on a single linearly movable slide, then the switch can operate continuously without stopping vehicles, but large masses must be accelerated and braked during point changes causing undesirable vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The single slide is divided into multiple independent slides (first slide for first rail, second slide for second rail, third slide for intermediate rail sections). Each slide can be moved independently with its own drive mechanism, allowing the mass to be segmented and accelerated/braked separately rather than as one large mass, thereby reducing vibrations while maintaining continuous operation capability
2Device complexity
If a single slide is used for all movable rail sections, then the switch mechanism is simplified, but different slides must be kept ready for different track widths increasing component management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The individual slides are designed as universal components that can be used across different track widths. The first slide, second slide, and third slide can all function with various track configurations, eliminating the need to maintain separate slide inventories for different track widths while still providing adaptability through the modular arrangement of these universal slides
3Device complexity
If all movable rail sections are mounted on one slide, then the number of drive mechanisms is reduced, but larger masses must be accelerated and braked generating more vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive mechanism is segmented into multiple independent drives (first drive for first slide, second drive for second slide, third drive for third slide). Each drive controls a separate slide with smaller mass, allowing independent acceleration and braking that reduces vibration generation while maintaining the overall switch functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is programmed to operate the drives at different time intervals rather than simultaneously. This periodic/staggered operation allows each slide to be moved sequentially with smaller mass movements, reducing the overall vibration impact compared to moving one large mass at once
Data Source
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AI summary
Rail system for an electrical pallet conveyor system, having a switch point which is arranged between a main track and a plurality of secondary tracks and which includes a plurality of moving rail sections. Depending on their position, the rail sections are able to connect the main track to the secondary tracks. The moving rail sections which are associated with one rail of the main track are in this case mounted on a first moving slide, and the moving rail sections which are associated with the second rail of the main track are mounted on a second moving slide which can move independently of the first slide. A dedicated drive which can be separately actuated by a control device is associated with each slide.