Slip Roller Conveyor Composite Sleeve Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accumulation conveyor systems are unsuitable for conveying abrasive barrels and barrel components due to the wear and damage caused by their thermoplastic polymer materials, leading to inefficiencies and high costs in cooperage operations.
Innovation Solution
A roller conveyor system featuring driven rollers and slip rollers with an interior thermoplastic polymer sleeve and an exterior durable metal sleeve, allowing the slip rollers to rotate relative to the driven rollers when obstructed, providing a durable and economical solution for conveying abrasive objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermoplastic polymer sleeves are used in slip rollers for accumulation conveyor systems, then the ability to accumulate and hold objects is improved, but the durability and resistance to abrasion deteriorate when conveying barrels and barrel components
Solution Approach 1:
The slip roller uses a composite construction with a metal core providing structural strength and durability, covered by a thermoplastic polymer sleeve that provides the necessary slip characteristics for accumulation. This composite structure allows the roller to withstand the abrasiveness of barrels while maintaining the accumulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic polymer sleeve is nested within or upon the metal core structure, creating a layered configuration where the inner metal core provides durability and the outer polymer layer provides slip properties. This nested arrangement allows both materials to function together without compromising either accumulation capability or wear resistance.
2Ease of operation
If multiple conveyor systems and zones are used to convey barrels between stations, then the ability to stage and coordinate barrel movement is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slip roller conveyor system performs multiple functions within a single unified structure: it conveys barrels continuously, accumulates barrels at designated zones, and stages barrels for downstream operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conveyor systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip rollers are designed to dynamically respond to barrel flow conditions, automatically transitioning between driving barrels forward and allowing accumulation based on resistance encountered. This dynamic behavior enables the single conveyor system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed-function conveyor zones.
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 system efficiently and economically conveys abrasive barrels and components by allowing accumulation and smooth flow, enhancing throughput and reducing wear, while being compatible with standard conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of a conveyed object supported by the slip roller will generate sufficient friction between the polymer sleeves and the driven rollers to also drive the polymer sleeves and propel the object(s) along the conveyor. However, upon encountering an obstructing force such as an obstruction or barrier introduced into the path of the conveyed object, the obstructing force will be sufficient to halt the progress of the conveyed object such that the polymer sleeves slip on the driven rollers
Data Source
AI summary
A slip roller conveyor utilizes slip rollers constructed of an interior sleeve formed of a relatively lower friction material combined with an exterior sleeve formed of a relatively more durable material that has relatively greater resistance to damage or wear, e.g., as may be caused by barrels or other abrasive objects to be conveyed.