Roller Assembly Call Up Mechanism Preventing Jamming

Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art vehicle washing conveyor systems experience jamming issues when a car wheel is positioned over the entrance trap door, causing the pusher rollers to stop below the trap door and potentially damaging the conveyor chain and components.

Innovation Solution

A roller assembly call up mechanism with a slotted link connecting the ramp forks to the entrance trap door, preventing the forks from being raised if the door is blocked, thus preventing jamming and ensuring safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pusher rollers are ramped up by the forks when a car wheel is on top of the entrance trap door, then the rollers can engage the tire to push the vehicle, but the rollers stop below the trap door and jam, causing damage to the conveyor chain and components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller engagement with tireVSAvoidconveyor system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trap door is opened in advance before the pusher rollers reach the entrance position. The call-up mechanism detects when a vehicle is approaching and pre-opens the trap door, ensuring the path is clear before the rollers attempt to engage, thereby preventing jamming while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and position of vehicles on the conveyor. This feedback information is used by the control system to determine when to open the trap door and when to activate the pusher rollers, ensuring coordinated operation that prevents jamming while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the trap door is opened to allow pusher rollers to pass through, then the rollers can engage the vehicle, but if the door is blocked it can cause injury to persons or damage to property

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller passage through trap doorVSAvoidsafety hazard from blocked door

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The trap door is opened in advance before the pusher rollers reach the entrance position. The call-up mechanism detects when a vehicle is approaching and pre-opens the trap door, ensuring the path is clear before the rollers attempt to engage, thereby preventing jamming while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and position of vehicles on the conveyor. This feedback information is used by the control system to determine when to open the trap door and when to activate the pusher rollers, ensuring coordinated operation that prevents jamming while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8028628B2Roller assembly call up mechanism for a vehicle wash conveyor

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 ENNIS G THOMAS

AI summary

A roller assembly call up mechanism for a vehicle wash conveyor having an endless chain with a plurality of spaced roller assemblies attached thereto for pushing a vehicle along a slotted track, is located below the track and includes a power cylinder, a crank arm connected to the power cylinder and an axle connected to the crank arm for rotation with the axle. A ramp in the form of a pair of spaced forks is connected to the axle for rotation therewith. A slotted link is pivotally connected at one end to the ramp and at an opposite end to the entrance trap door whereby when the power cylinder is actuated the ramp and the trap door are pivoted upwardly.