Spatial Spiral Conveyor Compact Storage Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial spiral conveyor systems for temporary storage allow loading and unloading only at specific points due to closely arranged loops, making access difficult when vertical distance between loops is small, and require significant height for adequate access.
Innovation Solution
A spatial spiral conveyor with an upper track section closer to the central axis than the lower section, featuring curved and straight sections, and a drive system that allows for final or arc drive options, enabling loading/unloading along the path and connecting ends for space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the vertical distance between loops is reduced to save space, then floor space efficiency is improved, but accessibility to objects on individual loops deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar buffer to a three-dimensional spatial spiral conveyor. By utilizing the vertical dimension and creating a spiral path that ascends while rotating, the system achieves both compact floor space utilization and improved accessibility. Operators can access objects at different heights along the spiral path without requiring excessive vertical clearance between loops, as the spiral geometry naturally distributes access points across multiple levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system employs a dynamic spiral path where the conveyor belt or chain follows a three-dimensional curved trajectory. This dynamic configuration allows the conveyor to maintain compact loop spacing while providing accessible zones along the spiral path. The continuous motion and spatial variation of the conveyor path create natural access opportunities at different positions along the spiral, improving operational accessibility without increasing overall height.
2Device complexity
If loading and unloading points are limited to specific locations, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial spiral conveyor design provides multiple access points along its path, enabling loading and unloading operations at various locations rather than being restricted to single fixed points. This multi-functional capability allows different sections of the spiral to serve as access points, thereby improving productivity and operational flexibility while maintaining relatively simple conveyor structure through the use of continuous spiral geometry.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for the time-limited storage of objects, comprising a conveyor, which can be moved along an at least partially curved and at least partially inclined path, wherein the path describes a spatial spiral having a plurality of revolutions and wherein the radius of the spatial spiral becomes smaller in the upward direction in the operating state of the conveyor, such that each upper path segment (8, 9) is closer to the central axis of the spatial spiral than the adjacent lower path segment (7, 8). In order to enable loading and unloading along the path of the conveyor for a small vertical distance of the individual loops of the conveyor from each other, each upper path segment (8, 9), according to the invention, is closer to the central axis of the spatial spiral than the adjacent lower path segment (7, 8) by at least the width of the conveyor.