Synchronized Timing Screw Adjustment for Faster Conveyor Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing timing screw adjustment systems in conveyor systems require multiple independent adjustments, leading to increased setup time, potential misalignment, and inefficiency, particularly when handling objects of different sizes and shapes, which can result in misfeeding, jamming, and uneven wear.

Innovation Solution

An adjusting device with first and second extendable members and a synchronizing mechanism that simultaneously adjusts the extended lengths of both members, allowing for coordinated vertical and horizontal positioning of a timing screw relative to a conveyor system, reducing the number of adjustment steps and tools needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent adjustment elements are used to position the timing screw, then the timing screw can be adjusted in multiple directions, but the setup time increases and alignment precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment elements into a single integrated adjustor that can simultaneously or sequentially adjust multiple parameters (X-axis position, Y-axis position, and timing screw orientation) of the timing screw assembly, thereby reducing the number of separate adjustment operations required and decreasing setup time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent adjustment elements are used to position the timing screw, then comprehensive adjustment is possible, but alignment precision deteriorates due to uncoordinated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates indicators or gauges that provide feedback on the position and orientation of the timing screw assembly during adjustment, allowing the operator to monitor alignment in real-time and make coordinated adjustments to achieve precise positioning relative to the conveyor centerline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating multiple adjustment mechanisms into a single adjustor with coordinated control, the system ensures that adjustments in different directions (X-axis, Y-axis, orientation) are made in a synchronized manner, preventing the uncoordinated adjustments that lead to misalignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple adjustment tools and gauges are used, then each adjustment element can be positioned, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidnumber of adjustment tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal adjustor that can perform multiple adjustment functions (X-axis positioning, Y-axis positioning, orientation adjustment) through a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate adjustment tools and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution significantly reduces setup time, minimizes misalignment, and enhances efficiency by allowing for precise alignment of the timing screw with a single measurement, thereby improving production time and reducing the need for frequent repositioning or replacement of timing screws.

Implementation Method 1

a synchronizing mechanism for making adjustments of the first and second extendable members... operable to simultaneously adjust an extended length of the first and second extendable portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical synchronization:

Implementation Method 2

the extension rod includes a threaded portion and the extendable portion includes a threaded element such that the threaded element is rotatably attached to the threaded portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS9435412B2Adjusting device for synchronized adjustment of extendable members

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 MORRISON TIMING SCREW CO DBA MORRISON CONTAINER HANDLING SOLUTIONS

AI summary

An adjusting device having first and second extendable members includes a synchronizing mechanism for making adjustments of the first and second extendable members. Each of the first and second extendable members defines an extension axis and includes an extendable portion adjustable along the extension axis to an extended length. The synchronizing mechanism is connected to the first and second extendable members and is operable to simultaneously adjust an extended length of the first and second extendable portions such that the extended length of the first extendable portion and the extended length of the second extendable portion are substantially equal.