Roller Conveyor Assembly with In-Process Drive Element Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling roller conveyors are inefficient, particularly in mounting rollers to a frame while maintaining tension in the drive elements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential mounting of rollers to a frame, where the first support element of a roller is initially mounted, followed by passing drive elements over pulley means, tensioning the drive elements using a tensioning device, and then mounting the second support element while keeping the drive elements tensioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If both support elements of a roller are mounted simultaneously to the frame, then the roller is securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is segmented into two distinct phases: first mounting one support element to allow roller movement, then mounting the second support element after tensioning. This segmentation simplifies each individual step while achieving the same secure fixation result.
Solution Approach 2:
The first support element is mounted preliminarily to enable the roller to be positioned and tensioned before final fixation. This preliminary mounting action allows subsequent tensioning operations that would be difficult or impossible if both support elements were fixed from the start.
2Reliability
If the drive element is tensioned before mounting the second support element, then proper torque transfer is ensured, but the mounting process requires additional steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The drive element is tensioned in advance while the roller is still accessible and can move along the frame. This preliminary tensioning ensures proper drive torque transfer capability before the roller is finally fixed in position, avoiding the need for difficult post-mounting tensioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is allowed to be dynamic (movable) during the tensioning phase rather than being completely fixed. This dynamic state enables easy tensioning of the drive element, after which the roller transitions to a static, fixed state for operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the roller is fully mounted before tensioning the drive element, then the roller is securely positioned, but adjusting the tension becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The drive element tensioning is performed as a preliminary action before the roller is fully mounted and fixed. This timing choice makes tensioning easy to perform while the roller can still move freely along the frame, avoiding the difficulty of accessing and tensioning the drive element after complete mounting.
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 method enables efficient and quick assembly of roller conveyors by allowing each roller to be mounted in a similar, highly efficient manner, ensuring effective drive torque transfer and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
tensioning the drive element by exerting a force on the roller by means of a tensioning device
Implementation Method 2
Tensioning the drive element is relevant for the drive element being able to transfer a drive torque between first and a second pulley means of respective neighbouring rollers
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assembling a roller conveyor having rollers for products, each having a cylindrical roller body and a first and second support element on opposite ends of the roller body, the second support element having pulley means; providing a frame having a first and second frame part for mounting therebetween the rollers; and, for the purpose of mounting a roller to the frame: mounting the first support element to a first mounting provision of the first frame part; passing a drive element and a further drive element over the pulley means of the roller; tensioning the drive element by exerting a force on the roller by means of a tensioning device; mounting the second support element of the roller to a second mounting provision of the second frame part while keeping the drive element tensioned; and removing the tensioning device from the roller.