Rotatable Bushing for Conveyor Belt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belt alignment systems face limitations due to restricted adjustment ranges and susceptibility to corrosion, leading to misalignment and premature failure, especially when dealing with uneven loading and carry-back material buildup.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rotatable 'Oil-Lite' bushing system with a freely rotating block and lubrication fittings, allowing for greater range of rotation and accommodation of shaft deflection, combined with guide control bars and guide rollers for continuous belt alignment monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ball bushings are used in pivoting members, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the travel distance is limited and the bushings bottom out before achieving required alignment movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bushing by transitioning from a conventional ball bushing to a spherical bushing with a hemispherical cavity. This parameter change allows the shaft end to pivot through a greater angular range without bottoming out, thereby increasing the alignment adjustment range while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bushing configuration enables dynamic adaptation of the pivoting member's range of motion. The hemispherical cavity allows the shaft end to rotate freely through a larger arc, providing the necessary dynamic adjustment range for belt alignment while the bushing itself remains a passive, simple component
2Reliability
If conventional ball bushings are used in pivoting members, then the structure is simple, but the bushings are prone to corrosion and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical bushing made from a composite or specially treated material that combines structural integrity with corrosion resistance. The bushing integrates a hemispherical cavity geometry with corrosion-resistant material properties, allowing it to withstand harsh conveyor environments while maintaining its pivoting function and extending service life
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bushing travel distance is increased to accommodate greater shaft deflection, then alignment effectiveness improves, but the bushing may become more complex or prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bushing with its hemispherical cavity changes the geometric parameters to allow greater angular displacement of the shaft end. This geometric configuration naturally accommodates larger deflection angles without requiring additional support structures or complex mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining bushing simplicity and reliability
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 solution enhances the range of adjustment for conveyor belt alignment, reduces the risk of misalignment, and prolongs the operational life of the alignment system and conveyor by accommodating greater shaft deflection and preventing material buildup.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable block in which the bushing is mounted provides a greater range of rotation compared to prior art units
Implementation Method 2
Suitable lubrication fittings are preferably provided on the housing for lubrication of the bushing
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment system for a conveyor having a conveyor belt trained over rollers on a conveyor frame, is provided and includes pivoting members each mounted on a corresponding support bracket, the pivoting members configured for supporting tracking rollers at corresponding tracking roller shaft ends, each shaft end pivotally and non-rotatably attached to corresponding pivoting members by a rotating bushing mounted in a corresponding pivoting member; and a guide control bar having two ends being pivotally connected at each end to a corresponding torque arm connected to the corresponding pivoting member. The bar includes guide rollers positioned at both edges of the conveyor belt for lateral control of the belt.