Rotatable Conveyor Stopper for Bridging Height Differences and Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyors face challenges in transferring or loading objects when there are height differences or separation distances, leading to potential object falls and durability issues due to transverse loads from collisions.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor stopper that can switch between bridge and stopper modes, using a stopper module with guide rollers and an actuator to adapt to height differences and separation distances, and a controller to manage transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vertical cylinder stopper is used to stop moving objects on a conveyor, then the stopping function is achieved, but the durability deteriorates due to transverse loads from collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical cylinder orientation to a horizontal orientation. The cylinder axis is now parallel to the conveyor surface rather than perpendicular to it. This inversion changes the collision geometry so that moving objects strike the cylinder end-face rather than its side, converting harmful transverse loads into axial loads that the cylinder can withstand without damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conveyors are positioned at different heights or with separation distance, then flexibility in conveyor layout is improved, but the transfer or loading of moving objects becomes difficult or risky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable stopper module that can dynamically change its orientation between two primary positions: a horizontal position that creates a bridge surface for smooth object transfer across height differences or gaps, and a vertical position that acts as a barrier to prevent falls. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper module serves multiple functions through its rotatable design: it acts as a bridge facilitator during normal transfer operations, as a safety barrier to prevent falls, and as a controllable gate to manage object flow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bridge mechanisms and stoppers, achieving versatile conveyor layout adaptation with a single integrated component.
3Ease of operation
If the stopper module is rotated to bridge mode to facilitate transfer across height differences, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stopper function and bridge function into a single rotatable module. Instead of having separate fixed stoppers and movable bridge structures, the same component performs both roles by rotating between positions. The module includes integrated elements (cylinder, support structure, rotation mechanism) that work together to achieve both stopping and bridging functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the added rotational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
This conveyor stopper comprises: a stopper module hinged to at least one of an inlet and an outlet of a conveyor around a first shaft; and an actuator which is coupled to the stopper module and switches the stopper module to a bridge mode or a stopper mode, wherein the stopper module comprises: a stopper housing on one side of which the first shaft is located; and a second shaft which is located in the stopper housing and spaced apart from the first shaft and to which the actuator is coupled, wherein, in the bridge mode, the upper surface of the stopper module forms a continuous surface with the upper surface of the conveyor, and in the stopper mode, the upper surface of the stopper module forms a surface that is bent at an angle greater than or equal to a predetermined angle from the upper surface of the conveyor. The conveyor stopper may act as a bridge so that objects to be moved can be easily transferred or loaded despite a step due to height difference, or a predetermined separation distance, between conveyors, or may act as a stopper so that objects to be moved do not fall even when the conveyor malfunctions.