Motor Driven Roller Support for Right Angle Transfer Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized rollers in conveyor systems are prone to deflection and bending, which can lead to damage and wear, especially when subjected to forces from right angle transfer devices, as existing support structures do not adequately inhibit these deformations.
Innovation Solution
A motor driven roller support assembly with support wheels having axes parallel to the motorized roller's axis, integrated with a cross-member and side frame members, and roller shaft mounts, which includes a roller support that counteracts forces applied diametrically to prevent deflection and bending, and is designed for integration with right angle transfer conveyors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motorized rollers are used in conveyor systems, then item transportation is enabled, but deflection and bending occur leading to damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
A roller support assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the motorized roller and the conveyor frame. This support assembly includes support wheels that contact the roller at specific locations to provide counteracting forces, preventing deflection and bending while enabling continuous operation without compromising roller durability
2Adaptability or versatility
If right angle transfer devices operate with spaced apart rollers, then conveying direction alteration is enabled, but forces applied to motorized rollers cause deflection and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The roller support assembly applies preliminary counteracting forces to the motorized roller before significant deflection or bending can occur. The support wheels are positioned to engage the roller and provide opposing forces that neutralize the bending influences from right angle transfer operations, maintaining roller shape stability during direction changes
3Ease of manufacture
If existing support structures are used, then roller mounting is enabled, but adequate inhibition of deflection and bending is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly provides localized support at specific critical points on the roller where deflection and bending are most likely to occur. Rather than uniform support along the entire roller length, the support wheels are strategically positioned to apply counteracting forces where needed most, effectively inhibiting deflection while maintaining ease of mounting through standardized interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A motor driven roller support assembly (20) includes a motorized roller (22) having a cylindrical outer surface (40) that is configured to rotate, a support frame (24) within which the roller (22) is mounted, and a roller support (26) connected to the support frame (24) and engaging the outer surface (40) of the motorized roller (22). The roller support (26) may include a pair of support wheels (80) for contacting the outer surface (40) of the motorized roller (22), and include a pivot whereby the roller support (26) is moveable relative to the support frame (24). The assembly (20) may be integrated with a transfer conveyor, such as a right angle transfer (28) having transfer blades (36) that include belts (38) driven by the motorized roller (22). The roller support (26) engages the motorized roller (22) in a direction that is generally opposite from the direction in which the belts (38) engage the motorized roller (22) to thereby counteract forces imparted by the belts (38) on the motorized roller (22).