Telescoping Conveyor Powered Discharge Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescoping conveyors face challenges with limited traction and a high risk of tipping due to single wheel-steering axes and power modules located at the infeed section, making them difficult to maneuver, especially over ramps or lowered gates, and prone to worker injury.
Innovation Solution
A powered and steerable telescoping conveyor with a discharge section that can be independently moved using a power module located at the discharge end, featuring two independent wheel-steering axes for improved traction and stability, allowing for sharp angle steering and reduced risk of tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the power module is located at the infeed section, then the conveyor structure is simplified, but the conveyor has decreased traction and cannot adequately overcome ramps or lowered gates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is divided into separate sections (infeed section and discharge section) with independent power modules. The power module is relocated to the discharge section, allowing independent control and optimization of traction at the discharge end where it is most needed to overcome ramps and gates.
2Device complexity
If a single wheel-steering axis is used, then the steering assembly is simpler, but the conveyor has a limited turning radius and presents a tipping risk
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly uses two independent wheel-steering axes instead of a single axis. This segmentation allows each wheel to be steered independently, providing better stability during turns and reducing the risk of tipping while maintaining a simpler overall structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyor is made heavy for stability, then the conveyor is more stable during operation, but the conveyor becomes difficult to move and workers experience overexertion or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is equipped with a power module that enables self-propelled movement. The power module allows the conveyor to move itself between locations and adjust its position, eliminating the need for workers to manually move the heavy structure and preventing overexertion and injury.
Data Source
AI summary
Powered and steerable telescoping conveyors. The telescoping conveyors have an infeed section and a discharge section. The discharge section can be telescoped beneath the infeed section in a retracted position. In an extended position, containers can be conveyed over first and second conveying structures that are located on the infeed and discharge sections, respectfully. The conveying structures can include wheels, rollers, or belts. A power module can move the discharge section between the extended and retracted positions. The power module can be located at various positions along the conveyor, including at a discharge end of the discharge section. A steering assembly can be provided to orient the discharge section with respect to the infeed section. The steering assembly can include two wheels, each wheel having its own independent wheel-steering axis. A power module can be associated with each of the independent wheels. The conveyor can be provided with guide rails and guide pins to align the discharge and infeed sections. There can be a bumper bar to brake the conveyor if the conveyor contacts an immovable object. The entire conveyor can be portable.