Conveyor Belt Sidewall Fastener for Tool-Less Hinge Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining and disjoining corrugated sidewall conveyor belts are cumbersome, require specialized equipment, or risk contamination due to loose parts, and there is no effective way to non-permanently fasten sidewalls to each other on either side of the join.
Innovation Solution
A fastener comprising a fastener member with tenons and hinge knuckles, designed for snap-fit attachment to corrugated sidewalls, allowing tool-less installation and removal, and integrating with the conveyor belt's mechanical lace pin system to form a continuous hinge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If corrugated sidewalls are welded or glued to the conveying surface, then the sidewalls are securely attached, but the joining process requires expensive equipment and specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into separate components: a fastener member with tenons that attach to the conveying surface, and a separate sidewall portion that connects to the tenons. This segmentation allows for simple snap-fit attachment without requiring welding or gluing equipment, while still providing secure attachment through the interlocking tenon structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal welding or chemical gluing processes with a purely mechanical snap-fit system. The tenons provide mechanical interlocking between the fastener member and sidewall, eliminating the need for expensive welding equipment and specialized training while maintaining attachment strength.
2Productivity
If mechanical end-joining with lace pins is used, then quick joining and re-opening is achieved, but there is no effective way to non-permanently fasten sidewalls to each other on either side of the join
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener member serves multiple functions: it provides lateral support for the sidewalls, enables snap-fit attachment for easy installation and removal, and integrates with the mechanical lace pin system for end-joining. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both the speed of joining and the versatility of fastening requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tenons are pre-formed on the fastener member, allowing the sidewalls to be snap-fit attached before the final lace pin insertion. This preliminary action enables non-permanent fastening of sidewalls to each other on either side of the join, providing versatility while maintaining quick joining capability.
3Strength
If metal plates and screws are used for sidewall fastening, then structural support is provided, but corrosion may occur and pieces may come unfastened during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener member combines structural rigidity with corrosion resistance by using materials that provide both mechanical strength and resistance to environmental degradation. The design eliminates metal components that are prone to corrosion and loosening, replacing them with composite or treated materials that maintain structural support while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces metal plates and screws with a snap-fit tenon system that provides equivalent structural support without the corrosion and loosening problems. The mechanical interlocking of the tenons provides the necessary structural support while eliminating the harmful effects of traditional metal fastening systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent cleaning or replacement of conveyor belts is required, then contamination is reduced, but the normal end-joining methods are too tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system is segmented into modular components with standardized fasteners that can be quickly attached and detached. This segmentation allows for rapid dismounting and remounting of belts for cleaning or replacement, significantly reducing the time loss associated with frequent maintenance while maintaining contamination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener components are pre-formed with tenons and attachment features that enable quick connection and disconnection. This preliminary preparation of the fastening system allows maintenance personnel to rapidly dismantle and reassemble conveyor belts for cleaning without using tedious traditional end-joining methods, thus reducing downtime while maintaining hygiene standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener (1) comprising a) a fastener member (2) and one or more tenons (41,42,43) arranged on the front face (21) and being spaced apart from each other in said elongation direction (3), and b) at a proximal end (22) of the fastener member (2) a protrusion (5) comprising one or more fastener hinge knuckles (61,62). The fastener can be used to simultaneously join the ends (81,82) of a conveyor belt (8), the ends being designed tor form with a lace pin an end joint in the form of a continuous hinge (12), and the ends (1101,1102) of a corrugated sidewall (110) that is attached to the conveying surface (83) of the conveyor belt (8).