Wire Plate Conveyor Belt Raised Interface Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire conveyor belt systems face issues with product degradation due to insufficient friction or excessive wear when using smooth or rough belt surfaces, particularly in high-volume commercial operations, and maintaining optimal surface texture is challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A plate element with a planar base surface and raised interface elements is designed to engage spaced rods in a conveyor belt assembly, providing a controlled interface for product movement that minimizes degradation and wear, while being adaptable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the belt surface is made smooth, then product marking and tearing are reduced, but friction between the product and belt becomes insufficient causing product to dwell and overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The belt surface incorporates discrete raised interface elements (nibs) distributed across an otherwise smooth surface. These localized raised features provide friction points for product engagement while the majority of the smooth surface prevents marking and tearing, resolving the contradiction between sufficient friction and product surface quality.
2Force
If the belt surface is made rough to increase friction, then product engagement improves, but product marking and tearing increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire belt surface rough, only discrete localized raised interface elements are created. These provide the necessary friction points for product engagement while the majority of the surface remains smooth, preventing the marking and tearing that would result from a uniformly rough surface.
3Force
If texture is applied to the belt surface to control product movement, then product engagement improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The belt surface is segmented into discrete raised interface elements rather than applying continuous texture. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing processes and reduces the complexity and cost associated with creating and maintaining textured surfaces while still providing adequate product engagement.
4Force
If texture is applied to the belt surface, then product engagement improves, but overheating and distorting of product contact components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The raised interface elements are designed with controlled dimensions and spacing to provide friction without excessive pressure concentration. This local quality approach prevents overheating and distorting of the product contact components while still achieving adequate product engagement, unlike continuous texture that would cause thermal issues.
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
The solution ensures consistent product movement and reduced instances of marking or tearing, lowering manufacturing costs and maintaining optimal belt performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
If the toaster belt surface is too smooth, the friction or engagement between the product and the toaster belt may not be sufficient to properly convey the product through the toaster
Data Source
AI summary
A plate element is disclosed that is capable of use in a wire conveyor belt assembly having multiple spaced rods. The plate element may include a plate body having a planar base surface, one or more engagement elements to engage one or more of the spaced rods, and an interface element that extends away from the planar base surface to form a raised interface surface.