Reinforced Belt Connection Structure for Load Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt connection methods, particularly for steel-cable conveyor belts, suffer from issues such as wear, non-uniform force distribution, and reduced service life due to bending and tensile loads, as well as potential ingress of contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A belt or belt segment design with reinforcement members exposed at the ends, connected to clamping elements, and guided in a rectilinear manner through an extension section of the connection element, which separates tensile and bending loads, and includes an extension element to protect the reinforcement members from bending and contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the reinforcement members are directly connected to the connection element without an extension section, then the connection structure is simpler, but the reinforcement members are subjected to both tensile and bending loads simultaneously which reduces their service life
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is divided into two functional sections: a connection section for joining and an extension section for load separation. This segmentation allows the reinforcement members to be guided rectilinearly in the extension section, separating tensile and bending loads, while maintaining a manageable overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension section acts as an intermediary element between the reinforcement members and the connection section. It provides a transition zone that guides the reinforcement members in a rectilinear manner, preventing direct bending at the connection point and thereby extending service life.
2Ease of manufacture
If the reinforcement members are exposed at the connection element, then the connection is simpler to manufacture, but contaminants can ingress and cause wear and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement members are nested within the connection element structure. The connection element encloses the reinforcement members in the connection section, protecting them from contaminants while allowing for straightforward manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element acts as a protective shell or enclosure around the reinforcement members. This shell structure prevents contaminant ingress while maintaining the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the connection.
3Device complexity
If the crenelated projections are used for hinge connection, then the connection is mechanically simple, but the projections wear significantly and can tear
Solution Approach 1:
The bending load function is extracted from the crenelated projections and transferred to the extension section. The projections are now relieved of bending stresses and only need to handle tensile loads, significantly reducing wear and increasing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension section provides beforehand protection by guiding the reinforcement members in a rectilinear manner before they reach the connection section. This prevents bending moments from being transmitted to the crenelated projections, cushioning them against wear and potential failure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the reinforcement members are subjected to both tensile and bending loads, then the connection can handle complex loading conditions, but the load distribution becomes non-uniform and reduces overall strength
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the connection element are assigned different functional qualities: the extension section provides rectilinear guidance for tensile loads, while the connection section handles the hinge connection. This local differentiation ensures uniform load distribution and maximizes overall strength.
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 design enhances the longevity and load-bearing capacity of the reinforcement members by separating tensile and bending loads, reducing wear, and preventing contaminant ingress, thereby improving the durability and performance of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
connected in a force-fitting manner to at least one clamping element
Implementation Method 2
clamping elements are held in a form-fitting manner in a connection section
Implementation Method 3
guided in a rectilinear manner through an extension section of the connection element
Data Source
AI summary
A belt or belt segment has a plurality of reinforcement members which run in the longitudinal direction (X) and are arranged parallel to one another and which are embedded at least substantially into an elastomer main body. The belt or belt segment has at least one connection element which is arranged on an open end The ends of the reinforcement members are each at least substantially exposed by and/or left free of the elastomer main body. The ends of the reinforcement members are each connected in a force-fitting manner to at least one clamping element. The clamping elements are held in a form-fitting manner in a connection section (A) by the connection element. The belt or the belt segment has at least one extension element which directly adjoins the connection section (A) in the longitudinal direction (X) and which at least sectionally forms an extension section (B) of the connection element in the longitudinal direction (X). The reinforcement members are received in the extension section (B) by the extension element and are guided at least sectionally in a rectilinear manner in the longitudinal direction (X).