Weldless Conveyor Belt Connections for Lower-Cost Repairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grid conveyor belts require welding to secure links to rods, leading to high manufacturing costs, complex repairs, and limitations in using plastic overlays due to flammability concerns.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor belt system with links that engage rods in a weldless manner, using hooks and slots to lock rods in place without welding, allowing for a plastic mesh overlay and reducing tension during turns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welding is used to secure links to rods, then the conveyor belt achieves reliable connection and structural strength, but manufacturing costs increase and repairs become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of tabs with slots and rods with heads. The tabs engage with the rod heads through the slots, providing a secure mechanical connection that eliminates the need for welding while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If welding is used to secure links to rods, then the conveyor belt achieves structural strength, but repair complexity increases requiring special tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidrepair complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into separate components: tabs with slots and rods with heads. This segmentation allows for easy disassembly and repair by simply separating the components without requiring welding equipment or special tools, while the interlocking design maintains structural strength during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conventional welded belts are used, then the conveyor belt achieves durability, but plastic overlay cannot be used due to flammability concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebelt durabilityVSAvoidoverlay material compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing welding with a mechanical interlocking system (tabs and rods), the patent eliminates the thermal process that creates flammability concerns. This allows plastic overlays to be applied to the belt surface without the risk of ignition from welding operations, expanding material compatibility while maintaining connection durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12459743B2Weldless conveyor belt systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A conveyor belt is provided that includes a first lateral end, a second lateral end, a plurality of rods, and a plurality of links. The plurality of rods are spaced apart from one another and each extends from the first lateral end to the second lateral end. The plurality of links interconnect the plurality of rods and include a first link coupled to two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods at the first lateral end. The first link includes a tail that extends laterally outward past an outermost portion of the plurality of rods.