Spiral Conveyor Articulated Chain Actuation for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spiral conveying apparatuses face challenges with uncomfortable assembly and excessive rigidity in positioning components, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates elongated, closed-loop means, such as an articulated chain, for actuating towing means that allow for easier and faster assembly and greater flexibility in component positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rigid towing means are used, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly becomes uncomfortable and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid positioning structures with articulated links that can dynamically adjust their configuration. The towing means incorporate movable joints allowing components to adapt during assembly and operation, transforming the system from static and rigid to dynamic and flexible, thereby improving assembly ease while maintaining structural stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the towing means into multiple articulated links rather than using a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows each link to be positioned independently and assembled more easily, reducing the complexity of positioning while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connected links.
2Productivity
If rigid positioning structures are used for towing means, then structural stability is ensured, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing dynamic articulated links instead of rigid structures, the system allows for faster assembly as components can be more easily positioned and connected. The movable joints enable flexible adjustment during assembly, reducing the time required compared to precise positioning of rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the rigidity parameter of the towing means. The articulated links provide flexibility during assembly (high effective flexibility) but can maintain structural stability during operation (controlled rigidity), effectively changing the mechanical parameters based on operational phase without requiring completely different structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional towing mechanisms are used, then structural stability is maintained, but component positioning flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated links provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the towing means to adjust its configuration for different positioning requirements. This dynamic structure maintains structural stability through proper mechanical design of the links and joints while providing the flexibility to adapt to various positioning needs, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for conveying products, especially of the so-called spiral type to convey the respective product between different height levels, comprises support means (12), means (14) for conveying the product, in particular in the form of a conveyor belt (14), preferably of the type having links (141) articulated with one another, means (16) for towing said means (14) for conveying the product, in particular comprising toothed wheel means (161) meshing with corresponding portions of the links of said conveyor belt (14), and means (18) for actuating said towing means (16). Said means (18) for actuating said towing means (16) of said means (14) for conveying the product comprise elongated, closed-loop means (181), which are movable in rotation according to the extension or elongation direction of the same elongated means (181).