Spherical Transport Roller with Pivot Axis for Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for directed transport of goods, especially in sorting and manufacturing, are complex, prone to errors, and can damage fragile goods due to the use of multiple moving parts and bearings, leading to inefficient distribution and potential damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system featuring rotatable transport rollers with a peripheral spherical surface and an adjustable pivot axis, allowing for controlled directional changes and energy-efficient operation, including drive mechanisms and low-maintenance bearing designs to ensure gentle and effective goods handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyor systems use multiple moving parts and bearings for directed transport, then directional control capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into modular conveyor sections, each capable of independent directional control. Each section can be individually adjusted to different angles, allowing complex routing patterns to be achieved through simple, repeated modular units rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor sections incorporate adjustable pivot axes that allow dynamic reconfiguration of transport directions. The pivot axes enable each conveyor section to rotate relative to the next section, providing adaptability for different routing requirements while maintaining a simple fixed-roller construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyor systems use multiple bearings and moving parts, then directional adjustment capability is improved, but reliability worsens due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex bearing assemblies and linkage mechanisms from traditional adjustable conveyor designs. By using simple fixed rollers mounted on rigid supports with adjustable pivot axes, the design removes multiple potential failure points while retaining directional adjustment capability through a simpler mechanical approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor uses simple, robust rollers with basic bearings that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex interconnected mechanisms. The simplicity of each roller unit means that if one fails, it can be quickly replaced without affecting the entire system, improving overall reliability through modular simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyor systems use complex mechanisms for directed transport, then transport direction control is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is manufactured as separate, identical modular sections that can be produced using the same tooling and assembly processes. Each section consists of standard rollers, simple supports, and adjustable pivot mechanisms, all of which can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, greatly simplifying the manufacturing process compared to custom-built complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each conveyor section is designed as a universal module that can perform the same function in multiple locations. The standardized design allows a single set of manufacturing templates, parts, and assembly procedures to be used throughout the entire conveyor system, reducing manufacturing complexity through repetition and standardization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional conveyor systems use multiple moving parts, then directional flexibility is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to more adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is operated by adjusting individual modular sections independently, each with a single pivot axis adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows operators to make small, localized adjustments to achieve the desired routing pattern, rather than having to coordinate multiple interconnected adjustment mechanisms simultaneously, greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable pivot axes provide dynamic reconfiguration capability where each section can be independently angled to redirect materials. This allows flexible adaptation to different routing requirements through simple angular adjustments of individual sections rather than complex multi-axis coordination, improving ease of operation while maintaining directional flexibility.
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 provides a robust, simple, and efficient means of conveying goods with minimal risk of damage, enabling versatile applications and optimal use of transport space through precise directional control and reduced friction, thus enhancing the handling of fragile items.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one transport roller (8) is rotatable about its axis of rotation (10)... allowing for controlled directional changes
Implementation Method 2
Gravity conveyance, in particular, enables a particularly energy-efficient drive while simultaneously overcoming a difference in height, for example, on a transport chute as an at least partially inclined transport plane
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a conveying system (2) suitable for transporting goods on a transport level (6). The conveying system (2) comprises at least one transport roller (8) provided for transporting the goods (4), which has a circumferential, spherically shaped surface (14) at least in an area intended for contact with the goods. The at least one transport roller (8) is rotatable about its axis of rotation (10), and the conveying system (2) has at least one pivot axis (20) about which the axis of rotation (10) is adjustable by rotation. The present invention discloses a method for transporting goods with the conveying system (2), wherein the transport is directed by a rotating drive of the at least one transport roller (8).