Roller Conveyor End-Stop Buffering With Controlled Pushing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems experience drifting and damage of products due to uncontrollable friction and pushing forces, especially when different types of products with varying shapes and materials are conveyed, leading to energy loss and disruption of processing steps.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with displaceable roller shafts and a drive belt configuration that maximizes the pushing force during buffering by using springs or levers to ensure rollers standstill under products, preventing slipping and drifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rollers continue to rotate during buffering, then products can be continuously conveyed, but products drift and slip causing damage and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The roller shafts are made displaceable within slots, allowing the roller positions to dynamically adjust based on the buffering state. During buffering, rollers displace to engage with the drive belt at an optimal position, creating sufficient friction to prevent drifting while maintaining the ability to rotate during conveyance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the friction parameter between rollers and drive belt by adjusting roller positions within slots. This allows the friction force to be optimized during buffering to prevent slipping, while maintaining continuous rotation capability during normal conveyance
2Reliability
If pushing force is increased to prevent drifting, then product stability improves, but energy loss at drives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable roller shafts allow the system to dynamically optimize the friction engagement with the drive belt, achieving sufficient pushing force for stability without excessive energy consumption. The rollers automatically adjust their position to maintain optimal contact during buffering
3Device complexity
If rollers are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but friction control during buffering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The roller shafts are made displaceable within slots rather than being completely fixed, providing a simple yet effective mechanism to control friction during buffering. This partial mobility allows friction optimization without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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 system effectively prevents drifting and damage of products by maintaining a maximum controlled pushing force, ensuring smooth buffering and processing readiness.
Implementation Method 1
a drive belt (7) arranged against the rollers (3) for rotating the rollers (3) to thereby convey the products (P)
Implementation Method 2
with at least one spring (9) between the beam (6) and the frame (2)
Implementation Method 3
a maximum pushing force which buffers the products (P) is obtained, at least, a maximized pushing force
Data Source
AI summary
The conveyor system comprises a frame (2) with a substantially plane conveying surface composed by rollers (3) for conveying products (P) in a conveying direction T to an end station with end stop (8);—wherein the frame (2) comprises an edge part with roller shaft slots (5) each with a roller shaft slot lower end, in which roller shafts (4) are displaceably received;—wherein the conveyor system further comprises a beam (6) with a drive belt (7) arranged against the rollers (3) for rotating the rollers (3) to thereby convey the products (P), in particular such that upon a product (P) reaching the end stop (8) or upon a product (P) reaching a preceding arrived product (P) said drive belt (7) slips under the rollers (3) under these arrived products (P); and—wherein the conveyor system is configured such that a maximum pushing force which buffers these products (P) is obtained.