Roller Conveyor Transporter With Linkage-Actuated Object Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transporters for transferring objects between a conveyor and a loading station have a complex structure due to the need for multiple contact members to lift a movable member, leading to larger loading stations.
Innovation Solution
A transporter with a movable body, holder, and lifter that uses a support with insert portions below the conveyor rollers, and an open-close assembly with a movable member and linkage to switch restrictors between open and closed states without a dedicated actuator, simplifying the structure and reducing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact members are used to lift the movable member for transferring target objects at multiple positions, then the transfer functionality is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and the loading station size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single contact member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a lifting mechanism for the movable member and a restrictor for controlling target object movement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining transfer functionality at multiple positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the contact member and restrictor into a single integrated component. The contact member is configured to perform both the lifting function and the restriction function, merging two separate functions into one component to simplify the overall structure and reduce the number of parts required
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact members are used to lift the movable member for transferring target objects at multiple positions, then the transfer functionality is improved, but the loading station size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single contact member performs multiple functions including lifting the movable member and acting as a restrictor, thereby reducing the overall space required for the loading station while maintaining the capability to transfer target objects at multiple positions
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is designed to operate in multiple dimensions - it can lift the movable member vertically and simultaneously control the horizontal movement of target objects through its restrictor function, allowing multiple transfer positions to be achieved without proportionally increasing the loading station area
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 simplifies the transporter structure, reduces costs, and allows for efficient transfer of objects with a simple mechanism, minimizing interference with the conveyor rollers.
Implementation Method 1
The movable member is pressed upward by the support frame to enter the pressed state in response to the holder being lowered from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
The movable member is released from pressure from the support frame to enter the released state in response to the holder being raised from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A transporter transfers a target object to and from a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers and a support frame. The transporter includes a holder including a support, a restrictor that restricts movement of the target object in a transport direction, and an open-close assembly that opens and closes the restrictor. The open-close assembly includes a movable member and a linkage. The support includes an insert portion placeable, with the holder at a first position, below a transport surface of the roller conveyor through a roller clearance. The movable member is pressed upward by the support to enter a pressed state in response to the holder being lowered from a second position to the first position and is released from pressure from the support frame to enter a released state in response to the holder being raised from the first position to the second position.