Electric Shaker Conveyor Cam Drive Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaker conveyors are complex, expensive, and prone to maintenance issues due to their intricate drive systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and operational problems, and belted conveyors suffer from frequent belt damage and high maintenance costs in manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective electric shaker conveyor assembly that converts rotary motion into repeated rectilinear motion using a cam assembly and follower system, featuring a sealed and lubricated drive system with a compact and lightweight design, ensuring quiet and maintenance-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional shaker conveyors use crankshafts or other eccentrics with linkage arms to achieve reciprocating motion, then satisfactory reciprocal motion is provided, but the drive systems become complex, expensive, and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex linkage arms, crankshafts, and eccentrics from the drive system. Instead of using these traditional mechanical reciprocating mechanisms, the invention employs a simplified cam assembly that directly converts rotary motion into reciprocating motion of the shaker table, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical linkage system with a cam mechanism. The cam assembly, driven by a simple rotary motor, substitutes for the intricate system of linkage arms and eccentrics, achieving the same reciprocating motion effect with significantly reduced mechanical complexity and manufacturing difficulty
2Ease of operation
If conventional shaker conveyors use linkage arms and heavy flywheels for reciprocating motion, then satisfactory reciprocal motion is achieved, but manufacturing costs and maintenance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy flywheels and complex linkage arms from the system. The simplified cam assembly requires minimal additional components beyond the rotary motor and cam mechanism itself, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the production process while maintaining the necessary reciprocating motion functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more economical cam assembly that is easier and cheaper to manufacture than the traditional linkage systems. The reduced complexity of the drive mechanism lowers both initial manufacturing costs and ongoing maintenance expenses, making the conveyor more cost-effective to operate
3Productivity
If belt conveyors are used to transport materials, then continuous material transport is achieved, but belts are frequently cut by sharp edges and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the belt component entirely from the conveyor system. Instead of using a continuous belt that is susceptible to cutting and damage, the invention employs a shaker table mechanism that directly contacts and transports materials through reciprocating motion, thereby removing the source of belt damage and extending operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the belt-based continuous transport system with a shaker table mechanism. The shaker table, driven by the cam assembly, provides direct material handling capability that eliminates the need for protective belts, thereby preventing belt damage from sharp edges and improving overall system reliability
4Productivity
If stamped parts and debris pass through damaged belts, then material transport continues, but the conveyor drive system becomes jammed or fouled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the belt component that allows stamped parts and debris to pass through and potentially damage the drive system. The shaker table mechanism provides direct material transport without the intermediary belt, thereby preventing debris from reaching and fouling the internal workings of the conveyor drive system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the belt-based transport system with a shaker table mechanism that handles materials directly. This substitution eliminates the pathway through which stamped parts and debris could pass through damaged belts and enter the drive system, thereby protecting the drive system from jamming and fouling while maintaining material transport capability
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 provides a reliable, quiet, and maintenance-free shaker conveyor with a simple mechanical actuation, enabling efficient material transport while reducing maintenance costs and operational complexities, and is suitable for various applications due to its portability and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A cam assembly is operatively connected in driven relationship to the rotary output of the electric motor so as to rotate therewith. A cam follower assembly is operatively connected to the transport tray and is responsive to the rotation of the cam assembly to produce repeated, reciprocating, linear motion
Data Source
AI summary
A shaker conveyor assembly including a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes an electric motor that produces a rotary output. A cam assembly is operatively connected in driven relationship to the rotary output of the electric motor so as to rotate therewith. A cam follower assembly is operatively connected to the transport tray and is responsive to the rotation of the cam assembly to produce repeated, reciprocating, linear motion and to transmit this motion to the transport tray so as to convey items therealong.