Combination Slider Block and Pusher Lug for Lumber Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pusher lug systems in lumber conveyors face inefficiencies due to the need for pre-drilling and fastening of slider blocks, and metal lugs tend to deform rather than break off during damage, requiring costly and inconvenient repairs.
Innovation Solution
A combination slider block and pusher lug design featuring a flanged channel with a latch and base plate cavity, allowing for snap-on installation and resilient deformation to prevent damage-induced bending, using a wear-resistant material like plastic for the slider block and a pusher lug mounted orthogonally to the web, with a latch mechanism for secure locking and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal lugs are rigidly mounted to the chain, then the pusher lug system provides strong pushing force, but the lugs deform and bend when damaged requiring costly repairs and hot work permits
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher lug system is divided into separate components: a base plate that remains attached to the chain, and a removable lug assembly that can be easily replaced. When damaged, only the lug portion needs replacement rather than the entire rigid metal component, simplifying repair procedures and eliminating the need for hot work permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The lug material properties are changed from rigid metal to a more resilient material that can break rather than bend. This parameter change allows the lug to fail in a controlled breaking manner rather than deforming, making replacement simpler and less costly.
2Reliability
If slider blocks are rigidly fastened to the chain using pre-drilled holes and fasteners, then the slider blocks are securely mounted, but the installation process is time consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The slider block mounting system is segmented into a base plate that attaches to the chain and a separate slider block component that snaps onto the base plate. This segmentation allows the time-consuming fastening operations to be performed only once during initial installation, while subsequent maintenance requires only simple snap-on/snap-off operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is pre-attached to the chain with all necessary mounting holes and fasteners during initial installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated pre-drilling and fastening operations during maintenance, as subsequent slider blocks simply snap onto the pre-prepared base plate.
3Ease of repair
If damaged lugs are cut off for replacement, then the chain can be repaired, but hot work permits are required making the process inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The lug is designed with material properties and geometric features that enable it to break cleanly rather than bend when damaged. This parameter change allows the lug to fail in a controlled manner that facilitates easy removal without requiring cutting tools or hot work permits, simplifying the repair procedure.
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 design enables efficient and cost-effective installation and repair of slider blocks and pusher lugs, preventing deformation and allowing for quick replacement of damaged components without the need for hot work permits, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in lumber processing facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a length of resilient flanged channel having a cut-out in the lower web of the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A combination slider block and pusher lug for mounting on a base plate mounted on a transfer chain includes a flanged channel having a latch and a base plate receiving cavity for snugly fitting over the base plate. A pair of flanges extend inwardly in opposed facing relation over the cavity from the sides of the channel so as to define a slot sized to receive the mount such as the weld between the base plate and the chain. The web of the flanged channel has a lug mounted orthogonally thereto. The cavity has an opening at one end, sized to receive the base plate therethrough. An opposite end of the cavity includes a stop to arrest sliding translation of the base plate through and along the cavity. The latch is mounted adjacent the opening. The latch operates to selectively lock the base plate in the cavity.