Tubular Connecting Elements for Container Conveyor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container conveyor systems require complex and labor-intensive assembly, maintenance, and cleaning due to intricate connections and lack of accessibility, which complicates the alignment and handling of conveying elements.
Innovation Solution
A container conveyor system utilizing tubular connecting elements that securely attach to columnar or tubular conveying element housings via clamping and bracing, eliminating the need for elaborate connections and allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, with features like pin guidance for precise orientation and sealed connections for protection and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elaborate welded and/or machined connections, connecting flanges, or intermediate connections are used to connect conveying element housings, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the assembly complexity and installation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular conveying elements that can be independently assembled and connected. Each conveying element housing can be separately manufactured and then connected to adjacent elements using simple connecting elements, eliminating the need for complex welded or machined connections while maintaining structural integrity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Simple connecting elements serve as intermediaries between conveying element housings. These connecting elements facilitate the connection process without requiring elaborate welded or machined joints, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring stable mechanical connections between adjacent conveying elements
2Stability of the object's composition
If intricate connections are used to secure conveying elements, then the structural stability is improved, but the accessibility for cleaning, repair, or inspection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is segmented into discrete, independently connectable elements. This segmentation allows each element to be accessed, cleaned, repaired, or inspected individually without disassembling the entire system, while maintaining structural stability through standardized connecting elements that ensure secure joints between segments
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment features are added to conveying elements, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed with self-aligning features that automatically guide the conveying element housings into precise alignment during assembly. This self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures, achieving high alignment precision while keeping the element design relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A container conveyor has a conveying elements and a connecting elements. The connecting element has a cut-out opening that receives a portion of the conveyor element's housing and clamps to it.