Telescoping Conveyor Drive Using Rack and Pinion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extendable conveyor systems using cable-based drive systems are prone to wear, failure, and maintenance issues, leading to unintended movement of the movable conveyor portion.

Innovation Solution

A telescoping conveyor drive system employing a movement assembly with teeth on one conveyor section and a chain loop engaging apparatus on the other, allowing for reliable and controlled extension and retraction of the movable conveyor section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cable-based drive system is used to extend and retract the movable conveyor section, then the system can achieve simple structure and ease of operation, but the cable is subject to wear, stretching, and failure requiring significant maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical drive system with a toothed rack and pinion gear system. The stationary conveyor section has teeth mounted on its lower extent, and the movable conveyor section has a pinion gear that engages these teeth. This mechanical substitution eliminates cable wear and stretching issues while providing positive engagement for reliable extension and retraction movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a spring-loaded safety mechanism that engages before cable failure can cause uncontrolled movement. The spring maintains constant pressure on a safety latch that can catch the movable section if the drive system fails, preventing free fall and providing a safety buffer against system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Device complexity

If a cable-based drive system is used, then the system can be simple in structure, but the cable stretches over time leading to significant maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical drive system with a toothed rack and pinion gear system. The stationary conveyor section has teeth mounted on its lower extent, and the movable conveyor section has a pinion gear that engages these teeth. This mechanical substitution eliminates cable wear and stretching issues while providing positive engagement for reliable extension and retraction movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a cable-based drive system is used, then the system can achieve simplicity, but cable failure can allow the movable portion to freely fall and retract unless emergency braking is employed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidunintended movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cable-based mechanical drive system with a toothed rack and pinion gear system. The stationary conveyor section has teeth mounted on its lower extent, and the movable conveyor section has a pinion gear that engages these teeth. This mechanical substitution eliminates cable wear and stretching issues while providing positive engagement for reliable extension and retraction movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a spring-loaded safety mechanism that engages before cable failure can cause uncontrolled movement. The spring maintains constant pressure on a safety latch that can catch the movable section if the drive system fails, preventing free fall and providing a safety buffer against system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7784597B2Telescoping conveyor drive system

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 MASABA INC

AI summary

An extendable conveyor apparatus is disclosed and comprises a stationary conveyor section, a movable conveyor section extendable with respect to the stationary conveyor section, and a movement assembly configured to move the movable conveyor section with respect to the stationary conveyor section. The movement assembly comprises a plurality of teeth mounted on a first conveyor section, and a teeth engaging apparatus mounted on a second conveyor section and configured to engage and move the teeth on the first conveyor section with respect to the second conveyor section. A system for moving a first elongate structure with respect a second elongate structure comprises a plurality of teeth in a substantially linear arrangement for mounting on the first elongate structure, and a teeth engaging apparatus configured for mounting on the second elongate structure, the teeth engaging structure comprising a chain loop engaging the teeth such that rotation of the loop moves the first elongate structure relative to the second elongate structure.