Rubberized Pad Geometry for Conveyor Chain Grip and Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubberized pads for chains in conveyor systems face limitations in achieving a balance between high adjustment capacity, cleanability, and minimizing the 'kicking' effect during product release, particularly when handling both medium/heavy and light products, often resulting in early wear and uneven product spacing.
Innovation Solution
A rubberized pad with a unique geometry featuring a vertical symmetry axis, a full base, and a hollow upper part with specific dimensions and angles, made from an elastomer material with a hardness between 40 and 55 ShA, combining the mechanical advantages of finger pads with the cleanability of closed geometry pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If finger pads geometry is used, then grip capacity and adjustment range are improved, but cleanability deteriorates due to dirt accumulation in finger structures
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into multiple fingers (3-7 fingers) that can independently deflect and adapt to products of different sizes and weights, providing high adjustment capacity while maintaining a smooth outer轮廓 that facilitates cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The pad transitions from a traditional flat or closed geometry to a three-dimensional finger structure with specific angles (α1 ≤ 90°, α2 ≥ 40°) and height-to-thickness ratio (h/s1 ≥ 10), creating a geometry that combines adaptability with cleanability
2Force
If high deflection force is applied to ensure grip, then grip capacity is improved, but chain wear increases due to exceeded PV limits
Solution Approach 1:
The pad uses specific material parameters (hardness 40-55 ShA) and geometric parameters (height 35-45mm, thickness <4mm, angles α1 and α2) to optimize the deflection force, ensuring sufficient grip while maintaining forces below PV wear limits
Solution Approach 2:
The pad structure allows dynamic deflection of individual fingers based on product characteristics, enabling the system to apply only the necessary grip force for each specific product rather than using excessive force universally
3Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric finger geometry is used, then grip adaptability is improved, but kicking effect increases during product release
Solution Approach 1:
The pad uses asymmetric finger angles (α1 ≤ 90°, α2 ≥ 40°) to optimize grip on products of various sizes, while the specific asymmetric configuration is designed to minimize the kicking effect during release by controlling the release dynamics
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the pad have different geometric qualities - the fingers have asymmetric angles for grip adaptability, while the overall symmetric arrangement and specific angle relationships control the release behavior to minimize kicking
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 pad achieves optimal deflection characteristics, extended adjustment range, and reduced kicking effect, ensuring safe and reliable product handling with improved cleanability and reduced wear on the chain and guide elements.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanical characteristics of the elastomer with which the pad is made (elasticity modulus and hardness in particular)
Implementation Method 2
the friction coefficient between the pad and the conveyed product
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rubberized pad with high flexibility, in particular for chains for handling/lifting products in product lines. According to the invention, the rubberized pad for chains (1), in particular for chains for handling/lifting products in product lines, has a vertical symmetry axis (I) with a full base (2) for coupling with the chain and a hollow upper part (2'), including a wall (3) opposed with respect to said base (2) and suitable for engaging with a conveyed product, said pad (1) having a total height (h) and said upper part (2') comprising lateral walls comprised of two semi-walls (4,4'), having a thickness (s1) and connected with said wall (3), and two semi-walls (5,5') having a thickness (s2) connected with said base (2), said pairs of semi-walls making between each other an angle (a1) innerly directed toward the hollow part of said upper part (2'), said semi-walls (4,4') realizing an angle (a2) with respect to said vertical symmetry axis (I) of said pad (1), said rubberized pad (1) being characterized in that the ratio between said height (h) and said thickness (s1) is ≥ 10, in that the angle (a1) is ≤ 90°, and in that the angle (a2) is ≥ 40°.