Rotating Plate Conveyor for 180-Degree Direction Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor devices with curved passages have a large curvature radius, resulting in wasted space and inefficiencies, particularly when changing the conveying direction by 180°, as they require significant gaps between linear parts.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device with a rotating plate body that constitutes the conveying surface, allowing for a reduced curvature radius and closer placement of object introducing and discharging parts, thereby minimizing space usage and enabling smooth object handling within a smaller rotation radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional conveyor devices with curved passages are used, then the conveying direction can be changed, but the curvature radius becomes large resulting in wasted space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static curved passage with a rotating plate body that dynamically changes its orientation. The plate body rotates to guide objects through a 180° direction change, allowing the conveying path to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than requiring a fixed large-radius curved passage. This dynamic approach enables tight space utilization while maintaining full conveying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dimensionality change by introducing vertical rotation of the plate body around a rotation axis. Instead of confining the direction change to a horizontal plane with a large curved radius, the solution utilizes the vertical dimension through rotation, allowing the plate to sweep through a 180° arc and redirect objects in a compact three-dimensional space configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional conveyor devices with curved passages are used, then the conveying direction can be changed, but significant gaps are required between linear parts
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating plate body dynamically adjusts its position to maintain continuous contact with objects during the 180° direction change. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for large gaps between linear conveyor sections, as the rotating plate can precisely position itself to bridge the transition zones, ensuring uninterrupted conveying and maintaining high productivity in a compact layout.
3Area of stationary object
If a reduced curvature radius is implemented, then space is saved, but the complexity of the conveying mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conveying function into distinct components: linear conveyors for straight-line transport and a rotating plate body for direction change. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function efficiently, with the rotating plate handling only the 180° redirection while linear conveyors maintain simple straight-path transport, thereby managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating plate body serves multiple functions: it acts as a conveying surface, a directional guide, and a positioning mechanism all in one component. By making the plate body multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms that would otherwise be required to achieve the same 180° direction change in a compact space, thus managing complexity through functional integration.
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
The solution reduces the curvature radius of the curved passage, minimizes wasted space, and allows for efficient object conveyance with reduced gaps between linear conveyors, achieving space-saving and effective direction changes.
Implementation Method 1
Between the flexible sheet and the support boards a fluid film-slide system is provided to reduce friction
Implementation Method 2
Between the flexible sheet and the support boards a fluid film-slide system is provided to reduce friction
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is to improve a conveyor device including a curved passage and to provide a conveyor device that enables the curvature radius of a curved passage to be reduced. A conveyor device (1) includes an introducing side linear conveyor (2), a curved passage conveyor (3), and a discharging side linear conveyor (5). The curved passage conveyor (3) conveys an object with a rotation trajectory of approximately 180°. The curved passage conveyor (3) includes a circular plate (6), and the upper face of the circular plate (6) functions as a conveying surface. The circular plate (6) is curved or bent. A part of the circular plate (6) other than the curved passage conveyor (3) gets under the conveying surfaces of the introducing side linear conveyor (2) and the discharging side linear conveyor (5).