Shuttle Conveyor Auxiliary Frame Retraction for Discharge Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems with shuttle conveyors face challenges in controlling the discharge process of products, leading to inconsistent placement due to the dropping height and potential tilting of flexible items like meat products, which do not always land correctly on the further conveyor.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an auxiliary frame with a second drive that allows the shuttle conveyor to retract quickly, forming an open loop that keeps the space below the discharge track available, enabling the conveyor belt to drop products closer to the next conveyor, minimizing the dropping height and maintaining product orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shuttle conveyor is retracted at high speed to improve productivity, then the discharge process becomes faster, but the products may tilt during dropping due to increased dropping height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning circulation rollers above the line connecting the bottom sides of end rollers, creating a three-dimensional belt path that resolves the conflict between fast retraction and controlled discharge. This vertical arrangement allows the belt to maintain stability during high-speed retraction while ensuring products drop from a controlled, minimal height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the belt circulation path by positioning circulation rollers at specific heights above the end roller line. This parameter adjustment optimizes both the retraction speed capability and the discharge control, allowing high-speed operation without excessive dropping height that would cause product tilting.
2Area of stationary object
If the circulation rollers are positioned above the line connecting the bottom sides of end rollers, then the space below the discharge track is available for further conveyor devices, but the belt path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the belt circulation system into distinct functional zones: end rollers on the auxiliary frame for discharge functionality, and circulation rollers positioned above on the main frame for belt circulation. This segmentation allows the space below the discharge track to be utilized by further conveyor devices while maintaining a structured, modular belt path that is not overly complex.
3Manufacturing precision
If the auxiliary frame is used to support end rollers and enable shuttle motion, then the discharge control is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary frame serves multiple functions: it supports the end rollers, enables the shuttle conveyance motion, and positions the discharge track. This multi-functionality improves discharge control while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity by consolidating functions into a single integrated component rather than separate elements.
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 enhances the control of the discharge process, ensuring products are accurately placed on the further conveyor with minimal tilting, optimizing the use of space and maintaining product integrity during transfer.
Implementation Method 1
due to a fast retraction of the carriage, are released from the belt in the discharge track due to inertia and drop down onto the further conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
Conveyor device (1) including an endless conveyor belt (4), a first drive (3) for driving the endless conveyor belt (4), a main frame (2) and an auxiliary frame (19) supported in the main frame (2), a second drive (15) for moving the auxiliary frame (19) back and forth relative to the main frame (2) in the manner of a shuttle-conveyor, such that a supply track (4a) of endless conveyor belt (4) supported by the auxiliary frame (19) can feed products (P) on a discharge track (4b) of endless conveyor belt (4) supported by the main frame (2).