Servo-Driven Vibratory Conveyor with Oblique Actuators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibratory conveyors often require frequent maintenance and have limited adjustability in their vibrational motion, which can be detrimental in applications where varying the vibrational profile is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory conveyor system utilizing a support frame with a pan for cyclic movement, coupled with at least two linear servomotors oriented obliquely and parallel to each other, and a drive system including pivot and slide connectors, allowing for adjustable cyclic motion through a controller-directed operation of actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vibratory conveyor mechanisms are used, then the conveyor can move materials, but frequent maintenance and part replacement are required due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibratory mechanisms with a linear servomotor system that uses electromagnetic actuation. The linear servomotors directly drive the pan without mechanical linkages that are prone to wear, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining the vibratory motion needed for material conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs programmable linear servomotors that can dynamically adjust their operation to create various vibratory motion profiles. This dynamic control system allows the conveyor to adapt to different material types and conveying requirements without mechanical wear, improving reliability through electronic control rather than mechanical durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed vibratory motion configuration is used, then the conveyor structure is simple, but the vibratory motion is not adjustable and adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system with programmable linear servomotors that can be configured to produce various vibratory motion profiles. The system can adjust amplitude, frequency, and phase of vibration to suit different material handling requirements, providing high adaptability while the modular nature of the servomotor system keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear servomotor system serves multiple functions: it provides the primary vibratory motion, enables adjustable motion profiles through programming, and offers precise control over the conveying process. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If oblique orientation of servomotor axes is used, then customizable vibrational profiles are achieved, but the device configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs oblique (non-parallel, non-perpendicular) orientation of the linear servomotor axes relative to the pan and each other. This asymmetric configuration allows the servomotors to generate complex vibratory motion patterns that cannot be achieved with symmetric arrangements. The oblique geometry enables independent control of vibrational components, creating customizable profiles while the standardized servomotor design keeps the complexity increase limited.
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 configuration reduces maintenance needs and allows for customizable vibrational profiles, enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of the conveyor system in handling diverse materials.
Implementation Method 1
at least two linear servomotors operatively coupled to move the pan relative to the support frame
Implementation Method 2
Vibratory conveyors utilize vibrational motion of a pathway to move the conveyed material along the pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Vibratory conveyors, vibratory conveyor systems, and related methods are disclosed. An exemplary vibratory conveyor includes a support frame; a pan configured to receive a conveyed material, the pan mounted for cyclic movement relative to the support frame, the pan having a pan axis generally aligned with a conveying direction; and at least two linear servomotors operatively coupled to move the pan relative to the support frame, the at least two linear servomotors comprising a first linear servomotor and a second linear servomotor. The first linear servomotor defines a first linear servomotor actuating axis, the second linear servomotor defines a second linear servomotor actuating axis, and the first linear servomotor actuating axis is oriented obliquely relative to the second linear servomotor actuating axis.