Vertical Chain Conveyor Automatic Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical chain driven conveyor systems in street sweepers face issues with chain tension maintenance, as chains elongate due to wear, leading to potential dislodgment from sprockets and operational failure, requiring frequent and laborious adjustments to prevent damage and ensure proper operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiple jointed shaft with automatic hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment systems, including a ratchet pawl and pin mechanism, and check valves or accumulators to maintain chain tension, ensuring the chains remain taut even when the sweeper is turned off, and an initialization program to restore tension upon startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If chains are used in vertical conveyor system, then debris can be elevated vertically, but chains will elongate due to wear and lose tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic chain tensioning system that automatically adjusts chain tension based on real-time chain elongation. The system includes a tensioning device with an adjustable position mechanism that maintains proper chain tension throughout the service life of the chains, accommodating wear and elongation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-adjusting tensioning mechanism that automatically compensates for chain elongation. The system monitors chain tension and autonomously adjusts the chain position or tensioning force to maintain optimal tension levels, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
2Reliability
If chains are kept in constant tension, then operational reliability is improved, but adjustment becomes laborious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting tensioning mechanism that automatically compensates for chain elongation. The system monitors chain tension and autonomously adjusts the chain position or tensioning force to maintain optimal tension levels, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated tensioning system. The system may incorporate sensors, actuators, and control mechanisms that automatically detect and correct chain tension deviations, substituting human labor with automated mechanical or electromechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If chains become loose, then adjustment is required, but without adjustment chain may fall off bottom sprocket causing catastrophic damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary tensioning mechanism that proactively maintains chain tension before loosening can occur. The system continuously applies or adjusts tension to counteract the natural tendency of chains to elongate and loosen, preventing the harmful condition of chain dislodgment before it can happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-adjusting tensioning mechanism that automatically compensates for chain elongation. The system monitors chain tension and autonomously adjusts the chain position or tensioning force to maintain optimal tension levels, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
4Reliability
If manual chain adjustment is performed frequently, then chain tension is maintained, but operator safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting tensioning mechanism that automatically compensates for chain elongation. The system monitors chain tension and autonomously adjusts the chain position or tensioning force to maintain optimal tension levels, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated tensioning system. The system may incorporate sensors, actuators, and control mechanisms that automatically detect and correct chain tension deviations, substituting human labor with automated mechanical or electromechanical systems.
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 solution ensures continuous chain tension, preventing dislodgment and operational failures, reducing operator time and effort, and extending equipment life by maintaining optimal chain tension automatically.
Implementation Method 1
an automatically adjusting hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment system
Implementation Method 2
an automatically adjusting hydraulic or pneumatic adjustment system
Implementation Method 3
a ratchet pawl and pin adjustment mechanism to prevent the chains falling out of tension
Implementation Method 4
check valves to prevent the chains loosing tension when the sweeper is turned off
Implementation Method 5
a closed system having an accumulator to perform the identical function
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a street sweeper having a vertical chain driven conveyor apparatus. The vertical chain driven conveyor apparatus is provided with a jointed shaft to compensate for chain wear over the life of the chains. The vertical chain driven conveyor apparatus is provided with an automatically adjusting chain tension adjustment system. The vertical chain driven conveyor apparatus is provided with locking adjustment mechanism to prevent the chains from losing tension when the sweeper is turned off. An initialization program is operable to restore chain tension when the street sweeper is started and prevent sweeping operations until a desired chain tension has been indicated.