Shared Conveyor Backup Line for Compact Factory Layouts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems face challenges in compactly constructing backup lines due to space limitations, especially in factories with limited space, where providing separate backup lines for each conveyor line is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system design that incorporates a single shared backup line capable of conveying articles in both directions, supported by connecting lines that allow the backup line to function similarly to separate backup lines, along with a controller for managing conveyor devices and detecting abnormalities to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate backup lines are provided for each conveyor line, then reliability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup functionality for multiple conveyor lines into a single shared backup line. This backup line can substitute for either the first or second conveyor line when needed, combining what would traditionally require two separate backup lines into one unified system, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The backup line is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can convey articles in both the first direction (parallel to first conveyor line) and the second direction (parallel to second conveyor line). This universal design allows a single backup line to replace multiple specialized backup lines, solving the space constraint problem
2Area of stationary object
If a single shared backup line is used, then space requirements are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces connecting lines as intermediary elements that facilitate the interaction between the backup line and the main conveyor lines. These connecting lines act as mediators that enable smooth article transfer and directional changes, simplifying the control logic by providing dedicated pathways for switching between conveyor lines and the backup line
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching capabilities where the backup line can change its operational state between conveying in the first direction and conveying in the second direction based on real-time needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond flexibly to different abnormal conditions without requiring complex static configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor system includes a first conveyor line to convey an article in a first direction, a second conveyor line parallel or substantially parallel with the first conveyor line to convey the article in a second direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, a backup line parallel or substantially parallel with the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line and able to change states between a state of conveying the article in the first direction and a state of conveying the article in the second direction, first connecting lines to convey the article between the first conveyor line and the backup line, and second connecting lines to convey the article between the second conveyor line and the backup line.