Synchronous Belt Pallet Transport for Gap-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallet conveying devices face issues with inaccurate positioning due to gaps between the protrusions and recesses of the endless belt and the pallet, leading to deviations and increased conveyance time, and the use of fluid pressure cylinders limits pitch flexibility and increases operation time.
Innovation Solution
A pallet conveying device using a synchronous belt with engaged protrusions and recesses, combined with belt supporting devices and coil springs, ensures precise pallet positioning without gaps and eliminates the need for fluid pressure cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a synchronous belt is used as the endless belt to allow circulation, then the belt can be circulated along the pallet rail, but gaps are formed between the protrusions and recesses of the pallet and the endless belt, causing position deviation
Solution Approach 1:
A carrying tool is introduced as an intermediary component between the endless belt and the pallet. The carrying tool carries the endless belt and presses it against the pallet through biasing means, ensuring that the protrusions and recesses engage without gaps while allowing the belt to circulate. This mediator resolves the conflict between circulation capability and positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fluid pressure cylinder is used as the pallet-movement locking mechanism to insert the pin into the anchoring hole, then the pallet can face the processing station accurately, but the conveyance time increases due to extension and contraction operations
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid pressure cylinder and pin insertion mechanism are completely removed from the system. Instead of using a locking mechanism that requires extension and contraction operations, the invention uses the biasing means to continuously press the carrying tool against the pallet, maintaining positioning accuracy without the time-consuming locking and unlocking operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid pressure cylinders are provided at narrow pitches to allow multiple stops, then the pallet can be stopped at multiple positions, but mutual interference between cylinders prevents arrangement at pitches smaller than the external size of the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying tool acts as a mediator that can be positioned at different locations along the pallet rail. Instead of requiring multiple fluid pressure cylinders spaced at wide intervals, the single carrying tool can service multiple stopping positions by moving along the rail, eliminating the spacing constraints and reducing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the circulation of the endless belt is stopped to allow processing, then the pallet can face the processing station, but the confirmation time for sensor detection increases the total operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means continuously presses the carrying tool against the pallet throughout the circulation, eliminating the need to stop the belt circulation for positioning confirmation. The continuous pressing action provides constant feedback and positioning, allowing processing to occur without interrupting the circulation and reducing confirmation time.
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
Accurate pallet positioning is achieved without gaps, reducing conveyance time and allowing multiple stops at narrow pitches, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
coil springs that bias the carrying tools such that the protrusions and recesses of the upper region side belt carried by the carrying tools are pressed against the protrusions and recesses of the pallet
Data Source
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AI summary
A pallet conveying device (10) includes a belt supporting device (40) provided on a pallet rail (16), the belt supporting device (40) being configured to support the endless belt (27) such that protrusions and recesses (27a, 27b) of an endless belt (27) are engaged with protrusions and recesses (26a, 26b) formed on the pallet (21) in a state in which a pallet (21) is mounted on the pallet rail (16). The belt supporting device (40) has: a carrying tool (41) configured to carry the endless belt (27) in a movable manner; and a biasing means (46) configured to bias the carrying tool (41) such that the protrusions and recesses (27a, 27b) of the endless belt (27) carried by the carrying tool (41) are pressed against the protrusions and recesses (26a, 26b) of the pallet (21).