Slip Conveyor Tray Gap Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slip conveyors in the packaging industry cannot adapt to varying demands of different weighing and packaging machines, limiting their efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A slip conveyor assembly with adjustable gaps between trays, enabled by a movable end portion relative to the base, allowing for adjustable transverse width of the gap, and a dual motor drive mechanism for longitudinal oscillation and relative movement, to accommodate different machine requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the slip conveyor uses a fixed tray configuration, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to varying demands of different weighing and packaging machines
Solution Approach 1:
The end portion of the first conveyor tray is made movable relative to the base, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gap between trays. This enables the conveyor to adapt to different machine requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The movability is achieved through a drive mechanism that allows controlled displacement of the end portion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gap between trays is fixed, then the manufacturing and operation are simpler, but the conveyor cannot accommodate different product delivery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between trays is made dynamically adjustable by moving the end portion of the first tray relative to the second tray. This allows the conveyor to be configured for different product delivery requirements while maintaining ease of operation through automated or semi-automated adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single motor is used for tray oscillation, then the device is simpler and uses less energy, but it cannot provide both longitudinal oscillation and relative movement between trays
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into two separate motors: one motor provides longitudinal oscillation of the trays for material conveyance, while the second motor provides relative movement between the first and second trays for gap adjustment. This segmentation allows each motor to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving versatile movement capability while keeping each individual motor relatively simple.
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
The adjustable gap and dual motor drive mechanism enhance the slip conveyor's adaptability to different machines, improving material transfer efficiency and flexibility in the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
Slip conveyors include longitudinally extending trays that are longitudinally vibrated (reciprocated) to transfer material along the conveyor. The longitudinal oscillation is rapid in one direction and slow in the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A slip conveyor (10) having a plurality of trays (11, 12, 13). Each of the trays (11, 12, 13) has an end portion (19) with an edge (29) inclined to the longitudinal direction of movement (14) of the tray (11, 12, 13).