Two-Axis Modular Belt for 90-Degree Package Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diverters used in power-driven conveyors, such as pushers and swivel rollers, often damage packages or have inconsistent trajectory handling across various package sizes and shapes when redirecting them by 90°.
Innovation Solution
A modular conveyor belt system featuring interconnected belt modules with hinge elements that allow for smooth articulation and rotation, enabling a two-axis conveyor design where belt loops intersect perpendicularly, allowing shared modules at the union to facilitate efficient 90° direction changes without damaging packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional diverters (pushers, swivel rollers) are used to redirect packages 90°, then direction change is achieved, but packages or their contents are damaged through impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system employs dynamic modules that can rotate and articulate to change direction. The modules are connected via hinge elements that allow relative rotation between adjacent modules, enabling the belt to smoothly redirect packages 90° without rigid impacts. This dynamic configuration allows the conveyor to adapt its shape while maintaining continuous package support.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is divided into multiple individual modules that can independently rotate relative to each other through hinge elements. Each module can articulate independently, allowing the belt to bend and change direction in a segmented manner that prevents impact damage to packages while achieving the required 90° redirection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional diverters (pushers, swivel rollers, cross belts) are used to redirect packages 90°, then direction change is achieved, but package trajectories are not consistent across ranges of package sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The modular conveyor belt system provides a universal solution that accommodates various package sizes and shapes. The articulated modules create a consistent trajectory path that adapts to different package dimensions, ensuring predictable and reliable package routing across diverse loads without requiring different diverter mechanisms for different package types.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system changes its geometric parameters through module articulation to maintain consistent package trajectories. As modules rotate relative to each other via hinge elements, the belt's shape parameters dynamically adjust to accommodate different package sizes and shapes while maintaining trajectory consistency and predictability.
3Reliability
If modular belt modules with hinge elements are used to enable smooth articulation and rotation for 90° direction changes, then package redirection is damage-free and consistent, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is segmented into modular units with standardized hinge connections. This segmentation allows the complex articulation function to be distributed across multiple simple, identical modules rather than requiring a single complex mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable package handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic hinge elements that allow automatic articulation between modules based on operational needs. The hinge elements enable the belt to dynamically adjust its configuration for 90° direction changes without requiring complex control mechanisms for each individual module, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving reliable damage-free package redirection.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-axis modular belt comprising two orthogonal belt loops intersecting at a union on a carryway. The belt is constructed of rectangular belt modules arranged in rows and columns. The modules are interconnected by hinge elements that allow columns of an advancing belt loop to translate relative to the rows of the other stationary belt loop.