Spherical Support Pad Assembly for Reconfigurable Conveyor Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems in industrial environments face challenges with existing components that are not easily disassembled, transported, or reassembled, making it difficult to adapt to changing layouts and volumes, and there is a need for strong, durable, and economical solutions for conveyor bases, legs, and pads.
Innovation Solution
A support pad design featuring a spherically shaped pocket and dome-shaped intermediate portion with a washer for the leg, allowing for pivotability and secure attachment to the floor, enabling easy installation and modification of conveyor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid pads are used to support conveyor legs, then the system provides stable support, but the system cannot be easily disassembled, transported, or reassembled to accommodate changing layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The pad incorporates a spherical pocket that receives a spherical bearing, creating a spherical joint between the pad and leg. This curved geometry allows the leg to pivot and adjust while maintaining stable support, enabling the system to adapt to different layouts without compromising connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The pad transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic joint with the spherical bearing, allowing controlled movement and adjustment. This dynamic capability enables easy disassembly and reassembly while maintaining operational stability during conveyor system adjustments
2Strength
If heavy-duty pads and legs are used to support high loads, then the system provides strong support, but the components become difficult and expensive to transport and reassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separable components (pad, spherical bearing, leg) that can be easily disassembled and reassembled. The spherical bearing acts as a modular element that connects the pad and leg through a simple insertion motion, enabling quick reconfiguration without requiring heavy equipment or complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry of the bearing and pocket creates a self-aligning joint that simplifies assembly. The curved surfaces guide the components into proper alignment during installation, reducing the skill level and equipment needed for reassembly while maintaining strong load-bearing capacity
3Productivity
If fixed conveyor systems are installed to provide stable support, then the system maintains rigidity, but the system cannot be easily modified or reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint introduces controlled dynamics to the otherwise static support system. The leg can pivot within the spherical bearing to accommodate minor misalignments and adjustments, enabling quick reconfiguration while maintaining sufficient rigidity for operational reliability during conveyor operation
Data Source
AI summary
A support pad including a body and a washer for supporting a leg is provided. The body includes a bottom and an opposed top defining a top external surface. The body has a central portion defining a spherically shaped pocket formed in the top of the body. The central portion receives a spherically shaped end of the leg and defines a central axis of the body. The body also has a dome shaped intermediate portion extending radially outward from the central portion. The body further has an outer portion extending radially outward from the central portion. The bottom includes a support pad support surface. The dome shaped intermediate portion has a uniform wall thickness. The washer is positioned adjacent the top external surface of the body and has an inner surface defining a central opening in the washer.