Reconfigurable Diverts on Motorized Conveyor Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems face limitations due to separate divert mechanisms that increase inventory and storage costs, lack flexibility, and require additional setup time and expertise, as they often need distinct divert sections with specific angles and functionalities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of reconfigurable element in-built diverts on conveyor rollers that can change orientation to divert items at various angles, allowing for dynamic diversion without additional divert mechanisms, enabling flexible conveyor line configurations and efficient item handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate divert mechanisms are used in conventional conveyor systems, then items can be diverted at specific angles, but the device complexity and inventory costs increase due to needing multiple divert sections with different angles and functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor roller is designed with reconfigurable element in-built diverts that can be adjusted to multiple orientations, allowing a single roller type to perform multiple diversion functions (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees) that previously required separate divert mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for inventorying multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The element in-built diverts are made reconfigurable through mechanical links that can be adjusted between different positions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same physical structure to adapt its geometry and function based on operational requirements, transforming a static component into a versatile, multi-purpose element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate divert mechanisms are used, then items can be diverted, but additional setup time and expertise are required
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable mechanical links allow the element in-built diverts to be adjusted between different orientations during operation or setup. This dynamic adjustability means a single conveyor roller can be configured for different diversion angles as needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of installing and configuring multiple fixed divert mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If distinct divert sections with specific angles are used, then items can be diverted accurately, but the quantity of components and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single conveyor roller incorporates element in-built diverts that can be positioned at multiple precise angles through reconfigurable mechanical links. This universal design allows one component to replace multiple specialized divert sections, reducing the total quantity of components needed while maintaining precise diversion capabilities at various angles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable element in-built diverts are integrated on conveyor rollers, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The element in-built diverts are integrated directly into the conveyor roller structure, merging the diversion function with the transport function. This consolidation combines multiple functions (transport + diversion at multiple angles) into a single component, reducing overall system complexity even though the internal structure of the roller becomes more sophisticated.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable mechanical links and element in-built diverts are nested within the conveyor roller housing. This nesting approach allows the complex adjustment mechanism to be contained within the roller itself, maintaining a clean external appearance while housing the reconfigurable functionality internally.
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
This solution enhances flexibility, reduces costs, and simplifies conveyor line setup by allowing items to be diverted at desired angles using a single type of conveyor roller, enabling efficient item handling and repositioning along the conveyor line.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyor roller comprises a magnetic switchable device operable to change a magnetic field of the housing. A current orientation of the plurality of element in-built diverts is based on the magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
The conveyor roller comprises an electromagnetic actuation system operable to change a current orientation of the plurality of element in-built diverts.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods and systems comprising element in-built diverts for motorized conveyor rollers are provided. An example conveyor roller can include a housing that forms a cylindrical tube. The conveyor roller includes a plurality of element in-built diverts disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The plurality of element in-built diverts are reconfigurable between one or more orientations with respect to the housing to divert an item an angle with respect to the housing.