Sliding Guide Conveyor with Grooved Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for moving workpieces or workpiece carriers face challenges in efficiently transporting heavy loads with minimal wear and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining a compact design and low friction.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a guide assembly with separate sliding guides featuring straight and curved sections, roller chains with parallel grooves for low-friction operation, and a lifting drive system with synchronized pneumatic cylinders, minimizing wear and allowing for customization in length and width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sliding guides are used for the conveyor chain, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but wear due to sliding contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sliding guide surface by providing grooves that guide the conveyor chain. This modifies the contact geometry and distribution of sliding pressure, reducing wear while maintaining the simplicity and low cost of sliding guides compared to roller-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding guide surface is segmented into multiple grooves that run parallel to the conveying direction. These grooves distribute the load and guide the chain links individually, reducing concentrated wear while maintaining the overall simplicity of the sliding guide structure.
2Force
If roller chains are used instead of belt conveyors, then the device can transport heavier workpieces, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sliding guides with grooves as an intermediary element between the roller chain and the support structure. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall system by providing a guided path that reduces the need for complex mounting and alignment mechanisms, while still allowing the roller chain to handle heavy loads effectively.
3Length of stationary object
If the guide assembly uses a compact design with minimized height, then space is saved, but the deflection sections may experience increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved deflection sections that are smoothly integrated into the sliding guide structure. The curved geometry distributes contact forces more evenly and reduces stress concentration points, minimizing wear while maintaining a compact overall height of the guide assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple identical sliding guides are produced in large numbers, then manufacturing cost per unit is reduced, but adaptability to different device sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding guides are designed with universal mounting features and standardized groove patterns that allow the same guide design to be used in devices of various sizes. The grooves are configured to accommodate different chain configurations, enabling a single guide design to serve multiple applications and device dimensions.
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 enables the efficient transport of heavy workpieces with reduced wear and cost, maintaining a compact height and width, while ensuring the device can be produced inexpensively and with minimal operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second sliding guide can run without gaps or steps over its entire length. This achieves a particularly low-friction running of the conveyor chain.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for converting workpieces or workpiece carriers with a carrying assembly (20) which is attachable to a higher-level conveying apparatus, wherein a guiding assembly is provided comprising a first and a second endless conveyor chain; includes (41 42) which are arranged parallel to one another, wherein they define a direction of conveyance (11), wherein is provided at least one lifting drive, with which the guide assembly relative to the support assembly (20) with respect to a stroke direction (12), which is aligned perpendicular to the conveying direction (11), can be moved, with a transverse direction (13) perpendicular to the conveying direction (11) and to the stroke direction (12) is aligned. According to the invention the guide assembly comprises a first and a separate second sliding guide (60; 61) for the first and the second conveyor chain (41; 42), each having a straight conveying section, on the two opposite ends in each case a first and a second bent deflection is provided.