Transport Device Automatic Speed Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport devices for hose sections face challenges in maintaining precise speed synchronization between upper and lower belts, leading to asynchronous operation and positioning issues during processing, which requires tedious manual adjustments and results in increased downtimes and costs.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with electrically controllable drive units that maintain a substantially constant speed, allowing for automatic compensation of speed differences between the transport means, ensuring precise and efficient operation by using sensors to detect and adjust speed discrepancies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment of spreader disks is used to synchronize belt speeds, then speed synchronization can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed synchronizationVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-adjustment through the control unit receiving speed signals from both belts, comparing them, and automatically actuating the speed adjustment mechanism to equalize speeds without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously receives speed signals from both transport belts, compares the speeds, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the speed of one belt until synchronization is achieved

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If electrically controllable drive units are used, then automatic speed compensation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic speed compensationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: receiving speed signals from both belts, comparing the speeds, determining speed differences, and actuating the adjustment mechanism - consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single multi-functional controller

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of spreader disks with an electrically controllable drive unit system that uses electrical signals and automated control logic to achieve the same speed synchronization function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If asynchronous operation occurs due to speed differences, then positioning accuracy deteriorates, but processing correctness is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocessing correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary speed synchronization before the hose sections reach processing stations by continuously monitoring and adjusting belt speeds in advance, ensuring positioning accuracy is maintained throughout the transport process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously receives feedback signals from both belts, compares their speeds in real-time, and makes continuous adjustments to maintain synchronous operation and ensure correct positioning at processing stations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3802385B1Transport device
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP3802385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3802385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3802385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport device (2) for transporting tube pieces (6), comprising at least one upper and one lower transport means (14, 14') for guiding the tube pieces (6), upper and lower pressure-exerting units (16, 16') for exerting a contact pressure on the transport means (14, 14'), at least one upper and one lower drive unit (12, 12') for driving the transport means (14, 14') in a transport direction (z) at a substantially constant speed, wherein the transport means (14, 14') are arranged at least in part between the upper and lower pressure-exerting units (16, 16'), and wherein the drive units (12, 12') are electrically controllable and are arranged inside the device (2) in such a way that speed differences between the two transport means (14, 14') can be automatically compensated.