Train-and-Wagon Pallet Conveyor for Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet conveyors for printers have a high bill of materials and cost due to individually controlled pallets with electromagnetic or magnetic responsive materials, which complicates the system and increases maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a train-and-wagon configuration where only the train pallets are equipped with the driving mechanism, such as motors and encoders, while wagon pallets are passively towed, reducing the number of components and improving cost-effectiveness by centralizing the driving mechanism and motion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each pallet is equipped with electromagnetic elements or magnetic responsive material for individual velocity control, then the velocity control precision is improved, but the device complexity and bill of materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional types of pallets: train pallets (active) and wagon pallets (passive). Train pallets are equipped with electromagnetic elements and motors for individual velocity control, while wagon pallets lack these components and are towed by train pallets. This segmentation allows velocity control precision to be maintained for active pallets while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating unnecessary components from passive pallets.
Solution Approach 2:
Train pallets serve multiple functions: they are propelled by the endless track, individually controlled via electromagnetic elements, and additionally function as towing vehicles for wagon pallets. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain precise velocity control while reducing the total number of controlled units, thereby lowering device complexity and bill of materials.
2Ease of operation
If each pallet is equipped with motors, encoder heads and drivers for individual control, then the velocity control capability is improved, but the bill of materials and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented such that only train pallets are equipped with motors, encoder heads, and drivers for individual velocity control. Wagon pallets lack these components entirely and are passively towed. This segmentation reduces the bill of materials by eliminating duplicate control components while maintaining velocity control capability for the active train pallets that pull the entire configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wagon pallets are merged into a single towable unit behind each train pallet, forming a train-and-wagon configuration. This merging reduces the total number of independently controlled units, thereby reducing the overall bill of materials while maintaining the velocity control capability for each train pallet through centralized control.
3Ease of operation
If all pallets are actively controlled with driving mechanisms, then the individual velocity control is improved, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into active train pallets with driving mechanisms and passive wagon pallets without driving mechanisms. This segmentation reduces maintenance requirements by eliminating motors, encoders, and other moving parts from wagon pallets, while maintaining individual velocity control capability for train pallets. Fewer active components mean fewer potential failure points and reduced maintenance needs.
4Device complexity
If train-and-wagon configuration is implemented with only train pallets having driving mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for individual pallet control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into train pallets (active) and wagon pallets (passive), where only train pallets have driving mechanisms. This segmentation reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability through centralized control of train pallets, which can individually adjust their velocity to coordinate with coupled wagon pallets and maintain proper spacing and timing in the conveyor system.
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
This configuration reduces the overall number of components, simplifies construction, and decreases maintenance requirements, as only the train pallets need active parts, leading to a more cost-effective and reliable pallet conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
The train pallet may comprise at least part of a linear motor that provides a propelling force to the train-and-wagon configuration
Implementation Method 2
each pallet is equipped with electromagnetic elements or magnetic responsive material so that its velocity to be individually controlled by the controller relative to the endless track
Data Source
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AI summary
Pallet conveyors for printers are disclosed. In example implementations a pallet conveyor (100) for a printer comprises a track (115), a train pallet (122) to circulate on the track and a wagon pallet (124) to circulate on the track towed by the train pallet. The train and wagon pallets may support a print substrate (110).