Reinforced Articulated Link Conveyor Support for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated link conveyor support structures with curvilinear axes, especially those made of plastic, suffer from instability due to thermal variations and forces generated during movement, leading to undesired movements and deformation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating metal lamellar reinforcing elements into the support structure, which are securely fastened to the guides and support component using reversible fastening means, to enhance structural stiffness and prevent deformation, while maintaining ease of assembly and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for curvilinear support structures, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but structural stiffness and stability deteriorate under thermal variations and operational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure combines plastic material with metal reinforcing elements (lamellae) to create a composite structure. The plastic provides ease of manufacture and cost benefits, while the metal elements provide the necessary structural stiffness and stability under thermal variations and operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal reinforcing elements are strategically placed at specific locations within the plastic support structure where maximum stress and deformation occur. This localized reinforcement provides enhanced stiffness only where needed, optimizing the balance between ease of manufacture and structural strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for curvilinear support structures, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but stability under thermal variations and operational forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure combines plastic material with metal reinforcing elements (lamellae) to create a composite structure. The plastic provides ease of manufacture and cost benefits, while the metal elements provide the necessary structural stiffness and stability under thermal variations and operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal reinforcing elements are strategically placed at specific locations within the plastic support structure where maximum stress and deformation occur. This localized reinforcement provides enhanced stiffness only where needed, optimizing the balance between ease of manufacture and structural strength.
3Strength
If metal reinforcing elements are added to enhance structural stiffness, then strength and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Metal reinforcing elements are strategically placed at specific locations within the plastic support structure where maximum stress and deformation occur. This localized reinforcement provides enhanced stiffness only where needed, optimizing the balance between ease of manufacture and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness, material properties, and distribution of metal reinforcing elements can be adjusted to achieve the desired structural stiffness. By optimizing these parameters, the structure achieves adequate strength while minimizing the amount of additional material and complexity required.
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
The solution significantly reduces deformation under load conditions, with the support structure exhibiting less than half the maximum deformation of traditional structures, ensuring improved stability and balance during conveyor operation.
Implementation Method 1
These magnets generate a magnetic field that keeps the links adhering to the sliding surfaces of the support structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A support and guide structure (10) for a closed-loop articulated link conveyor is described, comprising: at least two guides (14A-14G), oriented according to respective development axis (X1-X7) and defining respective sliding surfaces for the conveyor; and at least one support component (12) comprising two surfaces (16, 18) opposite to each other, wherein the guides (14A-14G) protrude from a first surface (16) to define at least one sliding channel (20) to house at least one portion of the articulated links of the conveyor. The support and guide structure (10) comprises at least one housing (24; 24A, 24B; 24C, 24D) extending along a direction parallel to the development axis (X1-X7), and containing at least one respective reinforcing element (26A-26G) to limit the deformation of the support component (12). Each reinforcing element (26A-26G) has a cross-sectional shape which is compatible with the cross-sectional shape of the respective housing (24; 24A, 24B; 24C, 24D). Each reinforcing element (26A-26G) is manufactured with a material having a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the materials the guides (14A-14G) and the support component (12) are manufactured with.