Synchronous Support Chain for Stable Fabric Dyeing Conveyors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric dyeing and finishing machines experience sagging or undulation due to fabric weight, leading to conveyor instability and frequent replacement needs due to wear and friction issues with support devices.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor supporting device with one or more support chains configured under the conveyor, where one side runs on a support rail and the other side supports the conveyor directly, both moving synchronously to eliminate friction and allow the conveyor to become a permanent component without replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed wear-down support or rolling wheels are configured under the conveyor to overcome sagging, then the conveyor stability is improved, but the conveyor itself may need replacement due to wear or the rolling wheels cause the flexible conveyor to run up and down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor stabilityVSAvoidconveyor replacement need
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support chain is designed to move synchronously with the conveyor belt, creating a dynamic support system rather than a static one. The support chain moves at the same speed as the conveyor belt, eliminating relative motion and friction while providing continuous support underneath the conveyor belt to prevent sagging and undulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support chain acts as an intermediary element between the conveyor belt and the support rail. It transfers the load from the conveyor belt to the support rail while moving synchronously, thereby stabilizing the conveyor belt without causing wear or relative motion friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If support chains without support seats are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the conveyor may not run smoothly due to insufficient support area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport chain structureVSAvoidconveyor smooth operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support chain is segmented with multiple support seats distributed along its length. Each support seat provides localized support to the conveyor belt at specific points, increasing the overall support area and ensuring smooth operation while maintaining a relatively simple chain structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3184684B1Machine for fabric dyeing and/or finishing comprising a conveyor driven system
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 CHANG
  • EP3184684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3184684B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3184684B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A conveyor supporting device for a conveyor driven system of any kinds of dyeing and finishing machines equipped with a conveyor system to transport fabrics, suitable for any kinds of conveyor driven fabric dyeing machines, is equipped with one or more support chains (3) with support seats (32) under a conveyor (1), where one side of the support chain (3) runs on a supporting rail (5) with support chain rollers (31), and another side thereof supports the conveyor (1) directly with its support seats (32) and runs with the conveyor (1) supported thereby simultaneously, preferably, the both run synchronously at the same speed, in such a way to prevent the sliding friction generated between the conveyor (1) and support chain (3), make sure the conveyor (1) to become a permanent component forever free from replacement, and facilitate the conveyor (1) to run smoothly, and thus to make sure the machine to be operated stably.