Telescopic Linear Conveyor Axis for Collision-Free Station Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional linear conveyors face limitations in cycle time coordination and output due to the convergence of fixed-length axes, leading to potential collisions and restricted movement between processing stations, which hampers production line efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic axis with two movable members and coupling means allows the axis to retract to a shorter length, enabling the conveyor to fit within the space between stations and reducing the risk of collisions, while maintaining a single drive system for movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed-length axis is used in conventional linear conveyors, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the axis convergence creates collision risks and limits production line output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidproduction line output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed-length axis into a telescopic axis with variable length. The axis can extend to its maximum length during workpiece transfer and retract to a shorter length during station convergence, enabling dynamic adaptation to different operational phases and eliminating collision risks while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic axis is segmented into multiple axis members (first axis member, second axis member, etc.) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the axis to change its overall length by extending or retracting the individual members, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the axis length exceeds the free distance between processing stations, then the conveyor can transport workpieces effectively, but it cannot be completely retracted to allow simultaneous closing of two presses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis lengthVSAvoidcoordination freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic axis provides dynamic length adjustment capability, allowing the conveyor to adapt its axis length to different operational requirements. When workpiece transport is needed, the axis extends to the required length; when station convergence is needed, the axis retracts, providing full coordination freedom between consecutive presses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic axis employs a nesting structure where inner axis members are positioned within outer axis members. When retracted, the axis members are nested together to minimize the overall length, allowing the conveyor to fit completely within the free distance between processing stations and enabling simultaneous closing of consecutive presses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If additional drives are added to move slides on axes, then the risk of axis collision is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision risk reductionVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By making the axis itself dynamic (telescopic) rather than adding dynamic control elements to each slide, the patent reduces device complexity. The single drive system controls the telescopic movement of the axis, which automatically coordinates the position of all slides, eliminating the need for additional independent drives while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Length of moving object

If the slide reaches the end of the axis in fully extended position, then the workpiece transport distance is maximized, but a long free end section of the axis extends from the slide, creating collision risks during convergence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece transport distanceVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic axis allows the system to dynamically adjust its configuration. During workpiece transport, the axis is fully extended to maximize transport distance. During station convergence, the entire axis retracts telescopically, bringing the previously extended free end section back, thereby eliminating collision risks while preserving maximum transport capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10967416B2Linear conveyor for transferring workpieces between two consecutive positions in a throughput direction

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 STROTHMANN MACHINES & HANDLING

AI summary

Linear conveyor for transferring workpieces between two consecutive positions in a throughput direction, including at least one axis extending in and linearly displaceable to the throughput direction, and a slide, disposed on and displaceable along each axis, and to which a carrier element for accommodating the workpiece is attached, each axis being telescopic and including a first axis element displaceable relative to the base, and a second axis element displaceable relative to the first axis element, on which slide is displaceably disposed, and a coupling for coupling of displacement movements of the first axis element, second axis element and slide with each other, such that when the first axis element is displaced relative to the base the second axis element is displaced relative to the first axis element and the slide relative to the second axis element in the same direction of displacement.