Transfer Rail Profile With Internal Cable Recess

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor systems face challenges with unprotected and complexly manufactured cables for controlling functional elements, which are prone to failure and require additional covering or expensive manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A transfer rail profile with a T-shaped separating web that forms an internal receptacle, incorporating cable channels and mounting sections, allows for easy cable access and protection, and features a brush strip or seal for environmental sealing, while accommodating functional units and lubricant collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cables are laid separately for controlling functional elements, then cable access is simple, but cables are unprotected and susceptible to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessVSAvoidcable protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges cable routing with the transfer rail profile structure by providing integrated cable channels within the profile. This allows cables to be protected within the structural element itself, eliminating the need for separate protective cladding while maintaining easy access through the profile's built-in pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable channels act as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the control cables. These channels provide a protected pathway that shields cables from environmental influences while still allowing for cable installation and maintenance access through the profile design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional cable cladding is used to protect cables, then cable protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoidcable cladding
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function previously requiring separate cable cladding is merged into the transfer rail profile itself. The profile's built-in cable channels provide the necessary protection without requiring additional external protective structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer rail profile serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the conveyor system, guides transport elements, and simultaneously provides protected routing pathways for control cables. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cable protection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pre-assembled cables with protection are used, then cable protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the existing transfer rail profile structure rather than requiring expensive pre-assembled protected cables. This allows standard cables to be used with the protection function provided by the profile's integrated channels, reducing material costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer rail profile provides universal protection for all cables routed through it, regardless of cable type or function. This eliminates the need for specialized pre-assembled cables for each application, allowing use of standard cables and reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4074630B1Transfer rail profile and assembly with a transport element
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 BEUMER GROUP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4074630B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4074630B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4074630B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a transfer rail profile (1) for a conveyor system, wherein the transfer rail profile (1) has a first hollow chamber (2) with a string guide (3) for receiving a string and a second hollow chamber (4) arranged below the first hollow chamber (2) for receiving a carrier connected to the string, wherein the first hollow chamber (2) is open to the second hollow chamber (4) and a web (6), which forms part of the string guide (3), projects between the first hollow chamber (2) and the second hollow chamber (4), wherein the transfer rail profile (1) has a third hollow chamber (5) arranged below the second hollow chamber (4) with a support section (17) for supporting a transport element that can be received into the transfer rail profile, wherein the second hollow chamber (4) is open to the third hollow chamber (5) and a separating web (7) projects between the second hollow chamber (4) and the third hollow chamber (5).wherein the third hollow chamber (5) is opened through an opening (10) to the surroundings of the transfer rail profile (1). According to a first aspect, the invention is characterized in that the separating web (7) has a projection (12) so that an internal recess (8) is formed on an inner side of the transfer rail profile (1). According to a second aspect, the invention is characterized in that the transfer rail profile (1) has a fourth hollow chamber (20) with a return-side guide (14) for receiving a return side, wherein the return-side guide (14) is preferably arranged parallel to the side guide (3). The invention further relates to an arrangement of a transfer rail profile (1) and a transport element (100).