Vertical Reel Belting Installation for Safer Conveyor Unspooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of IQ conveyor belting is challenging due to its significant weight, requiring multiple people and posing ergonomic and safety risks during horizontal unspooling onto vertical conveyor systems, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A belting installation system comprising a fulcrum table, reel assembly, roller assembly, and orientation assemblies, allowing for safer and more efficient loading, transportation, and unspooling of IQ belting onto conveyor systems, enabling vertical dispensing and adjustable material feeders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If horizontal unspooling of IQ conveyor belting is performed, then the belting can be installed onto vertical conveyor systems, but multiple people are required and ergonomic and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal unspooling to vertical unspooling of the conveyor belting. The reel assembly is positioned vertically with the belting dispensing in a vertical direction, which then feeds onto the vertical conveyor system. This dimensional change eliminates the need for multiple people to handle the heavy belting horizontally while still achieving installation onto vertical conveyor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guide assembly as an intermediary component between the reel assembly and the conveyor system. The guide assembly includes guide rollers that direct the belting from the vertical unspooling path onto the conveyor system. This intermediary facilitates the transition from vertical dispensing to conveyor installation without requiring manual handling of the heavy belting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If horizontal unspooling of IQ conveyor belting is performed, then the belting can be installed onto vertical conveyor systems, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical unspooling configuration allows the belting to feed directly onto vertical conveyor systems without the time-consuming horizontal unspooling and repositioning steps. The belting simply unspools vertically and feeds onto the conveyor, significantly reducing installation time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel assembly is pre-configured in a vertical orientation with the belting ready to unspool in the correct direction for vertical conveyor installation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming reorientation or repositioning during the installation process, allowing workers to simply unspool and attach the belting to the conveyor system.
3Ease of operation
If the belting reel is positioned vertically, then safer and more efficient unspooling is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the reel assembly in a vertical orientation, provides a stable base for unspooling, and integrates with the guide assembly to direct the belting onto the conveyor system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment and simplifies the overall system despite the vertical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: the frame assembly for support, the reel assembly for unspooling, and the guide assembly for directing the belting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular design makes it easier to understand and operate each component independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for loading belting so that it can be unrolled in the vertical position. The system includes a frame having a cradle, a reel assembly situated within the cradle, and a roller assembly connected to a pair of orientation assemblies attached to the frame. The orientation assemblies may be oriented in any angle 0 to 360 degrees relative to the frame so that belting can be dispensed in many directions. The roller assembly may also be inverted so that belting may be dispensed in alternate orientations. A fulcrum table may be used within the system to help prepare the reel assembly and transport it onto the frame.