WO2024177498A1

WO2024177498A1 - Mechanical fastening structural assembly and method of use for curved belt conveyors

Info

Publication number: WO2024177498A1
Application number: PCT/MY2023/050012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shahrizal BIN SHARIF
Original assignee: Kairos Global Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2023-02-20
Filing date: 2023-02-23
Publication date: 2024-08-29

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly of a curved belt conveyor having at least one single-spine structural pillar (100), said pillar (100) comprising a plurality of through-holes, wherein at least one through-hole has a pair of outdents (101); a pair of spring clips (102) coupled to the pair of outdents (101); a first roller assembly (200), wherein the first assembly (200) comprises a first body (210) having a through-hole; and a pair of protrusion (220); a second roller assembly (300) positioned opposed to the first assembly (200); a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) connected to the first assembly (200) for movement between a fastened position or an unfasten position; and an engagement member (103) extending through the first assembly (200) and the outdent (101), wherein a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusion (220) contorts the pair of spring clips (102) to displace the first assembly (200) for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The invention also relates to a method of utilizing the pillar (100) to perform maintenance on the curved belt conveyor.

Description

MECHANICAL FASTENING STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE FOR CURVED BELT CONVEYORS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a curved belt conveyor, more particularly a single-spine structural pillar installed to the curved belt conveyor that is designed to reduce maintenance effort and time.

BACKGROUND

A powered, curved belt conveyor is a conveying system designed to transport materials along a curved conveyor belt in a continuous operation. Curved conveying systems have been in the commercial market for many years and are integral to conveyor systems such as airport baggage handling, distribution, freight handling, and parcel handling.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,504 B2 disclosed a curved belt conveyor wherein a conveyor belt assembly has a one-piece frame comprising a first holder with a second holder situated opposite to the first holder. The conveyor belt assembly was further defined with a third holder and a fourth holder positioned opposite to the third holder. A roller coupled to each respective holder engages a conveyor belt, wherein each roller rotates on its own axis relative to its respective position.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,120,628 B2 disclosed a curved belt conveyor having a plurality of rollers to guide a conveyor belt. The plurality of rollers is arranged on a U-shaped retaining element with two fastening points connected to a side wall. Each retaining element has at least one roller holder with a roller attached to the roller holder, wherein the roller holder is pivoted such that the roller contacts the conveyor belt.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,232,030 B2 disclosed a conveyor belt with a spring-loaded bolt activated by a lever to connect an L-shaped upper bracket holding a first roller to an L-shaped lower bracket holding a second roller. The lever uses the force stored by the spring-loaded bolt to move the L-shaped upper bracket upwards and backwards. When both L-shaped brackets are connected, the first roller from the upper bracket and the second roller from the lower bracket are positioned such that both rollers are engaging the conveyor belt.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,392,191 Bl disclosed a rapid release mechanism in a structural pillar which the bearing holder is retained in its engaged position via detent elements in both the bearing holder retaining arm and C-shaped channel. Once released from the engaged position, the bearing holder is then retained in the C-shaped channel in a disengaged position via a screw or pin engaged into the holder. This screw or pin needs to be removed to effectively remove the bearing holder from the structural pillar. There are some drawbacks and limitations on the conveyors described in the prior art as maintenance conducted on curved conveyor belt require significant time and effort. Dismantling for further checks and replacement of faulty parts increases said time and effort. Therefore, there is a need to provide an apparatus that can overcome the shortcomings of the prior art to facilitate maintenance work in a simple yet efficient manner.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a single-spined structural pillar assembled to a powered, curved belt conveyor such that maintenance work can be performed on the powered, curved belt conveyor without removal of the single-spined structural pillar.

It is also an objective to provide a mechanism that manipulates position of a roller assembly engaged to the single-spined structural pillar to provide ease when conducting maintenance work.

It is yet another objective of the present invention for the single-spine structural pillar to be removed entirely from the powered, curved belt conveyor for further inspection or replacement of parts without affecting the entire operation of the powered, curved belt conveyor.

The invention relates to an assembly of a curved belt conveyor having at least one single-spine structural pillar, said pillar comprising a plurality of through-holes, wherein at least one through-hole has a pair of outdents; a pair of spring clips coupled to the pair of outdents; a first roller assembly, wherein the first assembly comprises a first body having a through-hole; and a pair of protrusion; a second roller assembly positioned opposed to the first assembly; a pair of rotatable fasteners connected to the first assembly for movement between a fastened position or an unfasten position; and an engagement member extending through the first assembly and the outdent, wherein a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusion contorts the pair of spring clips to displace the first assembly for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

The present invention also relates to a method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar comprising manipulating a pair of rotatable fastener towards a first bearing of a first roller assembly; manipulating a pair of opposing protrusion of the first roller assembly vertically away from a conveyor belt; visually inspect a pair of spring clips to determine the first roller assembly is in an unlocked position; performing maintenance assessment on the single-spine structural pillar; and performing maintenance assessment on the conveyor belt. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The drawings illustrate the embodiment of the invention and together with the detailed description explains the fundamentals of the embodiment.

Fig. 1 depicts a schematic drawing of a powered, curved belt conveyor.

Fig. 2 depicts an exploded view of a single-spine structural pillar with a pair of first roller assemblies and a pair of second roller assemblies.

Fig. 3 depicts a front isometric drawing of the single-spine structural pillar with the first roller assembly in a closed position.

Fig. 4a depicts an exploded isometric drawing of the first roller assembly.

Fig. 4b depicts an isometric drawing of the assembled first roller assembly.

Fig. 4c depicts an exploded isometric drawing of the second roller assembly.

Fig. 4d depicts an exploded isometric drawing of the assembled second roller assembly.

Fig. 5a depicts a side view of the single-spine structural pillar with the first roller assembly in a fastened and engaged position.

Fig. 5b depicts a side view of the single-spine structural pillar with the first roller assembly in an unfastened and disengaged position.

Fig. 6 depicts side view of full assembly of the single-spine structural pillar with a conveyor belt bead engaging the first roller assembly and the second roller assembly.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to unnecessarily limit the embodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all suitable modifications, combinations, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the technology falling within the scope of this disclosure. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Various examples of the mechanisms, systems, and methods introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques and technology discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

This invention relates to an assembly of a powered, curved belt conveyor having at least one singlespine structural pillar (100), said single-spined structural pillar (100) comprising: a plurality of through -holes extending linearly between opposing side walls of the single-spined structural pillar (100), wherein at least one through-hole has an outdent (101) on both open ends of the through -hole; a pair of spring clips (102) coupled to the outdent (101); a first roller assembly (200) positioned adjacent to the pair of spring clips (102), wherein the first roller assembly (200) comprises: a first body (210) having a through-hole on each opposing side wall of the first body (210); a first bearing (240) mounted to front side of the first body (210); and a pair of protrusion (220) positioned parallel to the base of the first body (210) having configured along each opposing side wall of the first body (210); a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) connected to the first roller assembly (200), wherein rotating the pair of fasteners (230) relative to the first bearing (240) for movement of the first roller assembly (200) between a fastened position and an unfasten position; an engagement member (103) extending through both through-hole on the first roller assembly (200) and the through -hole corresponding with the outdent (101) such that the first roller assembly (200) is in contact with the pair of spring clips (102), and a second roller assembly (300) positioned opposed to the first roller assembly (200), wherein the second roller assembly (300) comprises: a second body (310) having a pair of hollow outdent (320) with open ends on each opposing side wall of the second body (210); and a second bearing (340) mounted to the front side of the second body (310); wherein the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) engages a plurality of conveyor belt bead (410) sewn to a conveyor belt (400); and wherein a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusion (220) contorts the pair of spring clips (102) to displace the engagement member (103) and the first roller assembly (200) for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the pair of spring clips (102) further comprising: a first portion contacting the outer surface of the outdent (101); a second portion contacting the perimeter of the through-hole corresponding to the outdent (101); and a third portion extending away from the outdent (101) having each end connected to one end of the first portion and the second portion to form an indent that secures the first roller assembly movement within the inner space of the pair of spring clips (102).

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the pair of spring clips (102) having visual indicators to indicate the first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged position or the disengaged position.

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), a portion of the single-spine structural pillar (100) having a pair of indents (108) configured to receive the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) for fastening of the first roller assembly (200).

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), a pair of support member fitted to the pair of hollow outdent (320) to fasten the second roller assembly (300) to the single-spine structural pillar (100).

In said embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the pair of support member consist of: a pair of braces (105) fitted to corresponding pair of hollow outdent (320); a bolt spinner (106); a bolt (107); and a nut (109). In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), a security pin (104) fitted to one end of the engagement member (103) to secure the engagement member (103) in place with respect to the single-spine structural pillar (100).

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the single-spine structural pillar (100) having at least two pairs of first roller assembly (200) and two pairs of second roller assembly (300) fitted to the single-spine structural pillar (100).

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the single-spine structural pillar (100) is configured such that the first roller assembly (200) is positioned opposed to the second roller assembly (300) and both second roller assembly (300) are positioned opposed to one another.

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the single-spine structural pillar (100) is fitted with two pairs of first roller assembly (200).

In one embodiment of the single-spine structural pillar (100), the single-spine structural pillar (100) is fitted with two pairs of second roller assembly (300).

This invention relates to a method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, comprising: manipulating a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) towards a first bearing (240) of a first roller assembly (200); manipulating a pair of opposing protrusion (220) of the first roller assembly (200) vertically away from a conveyor belt (400); visually inspect a pair of spring clips (102) to determine the first roller assembly (200) is in an unfastened position; performing maintenance assessment on the single-spine structural pillar (100); and performing maintenance assessment on the conveyor belt (400).

In one embodiment of the method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar, further method steps comprising one or a combination of: replacing the single-spine structural pillar (100); replacing the conveyor belt (400); replacing the first bearing (240); replacing a second bearing (340) of a second roller assembly (300); replacing the first roller assembly (200); and replacing the second roller assembly (300).

In one embodiment of the method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar, further method steps comprising: manipulating the pair of opposing protrusion (220) of the first roller assembly (200) vertically towards from the conveyor belt (400); manipulating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) towards the single-spine structural pilar (100); and visually inspect the pair of spring clips (102) to determine the first roller assembly (200) is in a fastened position.

The following description describes the invention in detail with reference to non-limiting embodiments.

Conventional curved belt conveyor

Fig. 1 illustrates a curved belt conveyor (500) powered by conventional friction drive, wherein a conveyor belt (400) revolves around the curved belt conveyor (500) via a drive pulley (502) and a tail pulley (503). A frame (501) is installed on opposing sides of the curved belt conveyor (500), wherein the drive pulley (502) and the tail pulley (503) are each located at opposing end of the frame (501). The drive pulley (502) is operatively coupled via a gearbox to a drive motor with associated drivers and controllers.

A plurality of structural pillars is installed along the outer profile of the curved belt conveyor (500) provided by the frame (501). Each structural pillar is equipped with a plurality of bearing assemblies having a corresponding bearing that engages a plurality of conveyor belt bead (410) sewn to the outer boundary of the conveyor belt (400). The conveyor belt bead (410) is a polymer-based bead made from polymer such as polyurethane or similar materials commonly used for conveyor belt bead. The plurality of bearings is positioned such that the conveyor belt (400) and conveyor belt bead (410) is guided along a pathway that mimics an intended geometry. It is important that the conveyor belt (400) runs precisely within the intended geometry to ensure minimum friction and abrasion when revolving around the curved belt conveyor (500).

Each structural pillar has a parallel flange channel-like structure that allows the base flange of the structural pillar to be connected to the frame (501) and the top flange connected to a ring plate (504) located above the frame (501). Said structural pillar are fabricated from one or a combination of materials such as plastic, nylon, aluminium, wood, or fibreglass. The structural connection between the plurality of structural pillars, the frame (501), and the ring plate (504) provides a structural integrity sufficient to replace the need for a sidewall along the outer radius of the curved belt conveyor (500). Furthermore, the ring plate (504) has a plurality of connecting points arrayed to dictate the arrangement of the structural pillars such that adjacent pairs of the structural pillar have an unobstructed open space (505) between them. Subsequently, the unobstructed open spaces (505) provide access to an interior region between the upper and lower portions of the conveyor belt (400) that can facilitate replacement and maintenance and effort, thus saving labour costs and reduce downtime.

Improvements in the present invention

The following description describes the improvement made over conventional structural pillar and its corresponding roller assemblies.

The present invention is designed such that a user can have full visibility of the first roller assembly (200) and the second roller assembly (300) within the curved conveyor belt (500) installed with a plurality of single-spine structural pillars (100). The user gains access and visibility to the first roller assembly (200) in the single spined structural pillar (100) through the unobstructed open spaces (505) between two corresponding adjacent single-spine structural pillars (100).

Fig.2 illustrate all the parts required to assemble a single-spined structural pillar (100) having two first roller assembly (200) and two second roller assembly (300). Fig.3 depicts the single-spined structural pillar (100) when fully assembled. Preferably, the single-spined structural pillar (100) has a double-flange channel structure fabricated from one or a combination of materials comprising of plastic, nylon, steel, aluminium, wood, or fibreglass. The single-spined structural pillar (100) uses the double-flange channel structure as per conventional structural pillar, which in turn allows said single- spined structural pillar (100) to be installed on conventional curved belt conveyor (500) by connecting to the frame (501) and the ring plate (504).

In this embodiment, there are two first roller assembly (200) and two second roller assembly (300) fitted to the single-spined structural pillar (100). However, one would understand that alternative embodiment wherein the single-spined structural pillar (100) is fitted with four first roller assembly (200) or four second roller assembly (300) may apply if required.

The present invention embodied the single-spined structural pillar (100) has plurality of through- holes extending linearly from both side walls. Each through-holes are open-ended, wherein at least one of the through-holes has an outdent (101) on each end of said through -holes. Preferably, there will be five through-holes positioned parallel along the height of the single-spined structural pillar (100). Moreover, there are two through-holes with the corresponding outdent (101) positioned at the uppermost and the lowest position between the plurality of through-holes.

A pair of spring clips (102) is fitted to the outdent (101) on each side wall of the single-spined structural pillar (100). The pair of spring clips (102) is configured such that a first portion contacts the outer surface of the outdent (101) to secure the pair of spring clips (102) in position. A second portion of the pair of spring clips (102) contacts along the perimeter of the corresponding through- hole, wherein a third portion extends away from the outdent (101) and having each end connected to first portion and second portion such that an indent is created to secure the first roller assembly (200) movement within the inner space of the pair of spring clips (102).

In the present invention, the first roller assembly (200) is capable of moving vertically from one position to another. Fig. 4a depicts all the components forming the first roller assembly (200), wherein the first roller assembly (200) is fabricated from one or a combination of materials comprising plastic, nylon, steel, aluminium, wood, or fibreglass. Fig. 4b shows the assembled first roller assembly (200) with an engagement member (103) passing through both left and right sides of the first roller assembly (200). The first roller assembly (200) has a first body (210) with a C-shape profile to facilitate ease of fitting the first roller assembly (200) to the single-spined structural pillar (100). A first bearing (240) is mounted on front side of the first roller assembly (200) with a first spinner (250), a first bolt (260) and a first nut (270). The first body (210) also has a pair of protrusion (220) configured parallel to the base of the first body and along the both side walls.

Preferably, the first body (210) has a through-hole on both side walls of the first body (210). As depicted in Fig.4b, the first body (210) has two through-hole on both sides. One of said through-hole is used to allow a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) access as said pair of rotatable fasteners (230) is connected and positioned within the inner space of the first roller assembly (200). The pair of rotatable fasteners (230) has a flag-shaped protrusion that rotates relative to the direction of the first bearing (240). In another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) can be positioned on the single-spined structural pillar (100).

The first roller assembly (200) is preferably fitted and aligned with the through-hole that has the outdent (101), wherein the through -hole on the first body (210) and the corresponding through -hole with the outdent (101) are subsequently aligned too. Subsequently, the engagement member (103) is slotted through both now-aligned through-hole of the first body (210) and the outdent (101) to properly engage the first roller assembly (200) to the single-spined structural pillar (100). The pair of spring clips (102) is also in contact with the first roller assembly (200) via the engagement member (103). Furthermore, a security pin (104) may be slotted to one end of the engagement member (103) to ensure the engagement member (103) does not slide out of position when the curved conveyor belt (500) is in use.

Similar to the first roller assembly (200), the second roller assembly (300) is fabricated from one or a combination of materials comprising plastic, nylon, steel, aluminium, wood, or fibreglass. The components required for assembly of the second roller assembly (300) is shown in Fig. 4c. The second roller assembly (300) has a second body (310) having a C-shape profile with an extension on the front side to allow ease of fitting into the single-spined structural pillar (100) as well as having a hollow outdent (320) on left and right sides with a second bearing (340) mounted on the front side of the second body (310).

Upon assembly as shown in Fig. 4d, the second roller assembly (300) is simpler in design yet functions as a roller assembly when compared to the first roller assembly (200). However, the second roller assembly (300) is fixed in position and unable to move vertically from one position to another. The second roller assembly (300) is fitted to the single-spined structural pillar (100) and positioned opposed to a corresponding first roller assembly (200) as shown in Fig.3.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention embodied two second roller assembly (300) are positioned next to each other as shown in Fig.3. This arrangement allows a pair of braces (105) to be fitted to the hollow outdent (320) on both sides of the second roller assembly (300). The pair of braces (105) secures the second roller assembly (300) to the single-spined structural pillar (100) from falling out or moving from its preferred position. Said preferred position would also align the hollow outdent (320) to one of the plurality of through-holes along the single-spined structural pillar (100). A corresponding bolt (107) can be inserted through the hollow outdent (320) as well as the corresponding through-hole and tighten with a spinner (106), and a nut (109) for further securing the second roller assembly (300) to the single-spined structural pillar (100). The introduction of the pair of braces (105) provides additional structural integrity for the single-spined structural pillar (100).

Fig. 5a shows a close-up image of the first roller assembly (200) and the corresponding second roller assembly (300) assembled to the single-spined structural pillar (100) that engages the conveyor belt bead (410) sewn to edges of the conveyor belt (400), wherein the diameter of the conveyor belt bead (410) is larger than the gap between the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340). This assembly creates the tension required to ensure smooth running of the conveyor belt (400) along the curved belt conveyor (500).

Replacing the conveyor belt

The following example explains howto disengage the first roller assembly (200) and retain first roller assembly (200) within the footprint of the single-spine structural pillar (100) as shown in Fig. 5b. The purpose of having the first roller assembly (200) moving vertically away from the conveyor belt (400) is to increase the gap between the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) such that the gap created is larger than the diameter of the conveyor belt bead (410) to enable the release of the conveyor belt bead (410) for removal and replacement of a damaged or worn conveyor belt (400) without the need to dismantle any component of the single-spined structural pillar (100) or the entire structural pillar (100) itself.

If the inspected conveyor belt bead (410) or conveyor belt (400) is damaged, the conveyor belt (400) can be replaced with a brand-new conveyor belt (400).

As shown in Fig.5a, the first roller assembly (200) is currently in a fastened and engaged position. The fastened position is achieved by having the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) rotated away from the first bearing (240). Moreover, a portion of the single-spined structural pillar (100) has a pair of indents (108) that receives the pair of rotatable fasteners (230). The pair of indents (108) secures the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) such that the first roller assembly (200) does not move easily unless when an external force is applied.

Firstly, the first roller assembly (200) is unfastened by manipulating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) to rotate forward towards the first bearing (240) to put the first roller assembly (200) in an unfastened position. The rotatable fastener (230) may be manipulated by hand to rotate towards the first bearing (240) or the use of an external tool can be applied to manipulate the rotation of the pair of rotatable fasteners (230). Furthermore, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) are colour coded on each side to create a visual indicator to indicate whether the first roller assembly (200) is in the fastened position or the unfastened position.

Once the first roller assembly (200) is in the unfasten position, the first roller assembly (200) may be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position. A vertical force is applied upwards on the pair of protrusion (230) of the first roller assembly (200) as it is intended to create a gap between the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) by moving the first roller assembly (200) away from the conveyor belt (400).

Due to the proximity between the pair of spring clips (102) and the first roller assembly (200) through the engagement member (103), the vertical force applied on the pair of protrusion (230) is distributed to the other parts of the first roller assembly (200) and by extension to the pair of spring clips (102). As a result, the pair of spring clips (102) contorts and in turn displaces the engagement member (103) to moves vertically upwards. In certain embodiments of the invention, an upper portion and a lower portion of the pair of spring clips (102) are coloured differently to create another visual indicator to ascertain whether the first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged position or the disengaged position. The movement of the engagement member (103) also allows the first roller assembly (200) to move a distance W, hence moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position as shown in Fig.6. However, the vertical movement of the first roller assembly (200) is restricted within the inner space of the pair of spring clips (102), wherein the pair of spring clips (102) has an indent at opposing ends to restrict the first roller assembly (200) from moving any further and secure the first roller assembly (200) at one end of the pair of spring clips (102).

This technology also ensures that the first roller assembly (200) does not accidently or intentionally become detached from the curved conveyor belt (500) which may lead to loss or damage if left inside the unit or may cause injury if removed entirely and placed in walkways.

However, the user must first repeatedly perform displacing each first roller assembly (200) located within every single-spine structural pillar (100) into the disengaged position, wherein each corresponding first bearing (240) no longer contacts the conveyor belt bead ( 10). The disengagement will result in the conveyor belt (400) losing the tension created when engaged to the plurality of first bearings (240). The user may proceed to remove the conveyor belt (400) and the conveyor belt bead (410) for inspection without the need to dismantle the entire curved belt conveyor (500).

Re-engaging the conveyor belt

Once the replacement of conveyor belt (400) is completed and the brand-new conveyor belt (400) is in place within the curved belt conveyor (500), the user has to move each first roller assembly (200) from the disengaged position and the unfastened position into the engaged position and the fastened position after to allow each corresponding first bearing (240) to re-engage the conveyor belt bead (401).

Firstly, with the first roller assembly (200) at the disengaged position shown in Fig. 5b, the user applied another vertical force on the pair of opposing protrusions (220) assembly (200) in a direction towards the conveyor belt (400). Due to the proximity between the pair of spring clips (102) and the first roller assembly (200) through the engagement member (103), the vertical force applied on the pair of protrusion (230) is distributed to the other parts of the first roller assembly (200) and by extension to the pair of spring clips (102). As a result, the pair of spring clips (102) contorts and in turn displaces the engagement member (103) to moves vertically downwards. The movement of the engagement member (103) also allows the first roller assembly (200) to move a distance W, hence moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

The user repeats the step above for each first roller assembly (200) installed to the curved belt conveyor (500). When each first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged position, the first roller assembly (200) can move from the unfastened position to the fastened position by manipulating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) to rotate away from the corresponding first bearing (240) and towards its corresponding pair of indents (108) to fasten the first roller assembly (200) from moving vertically.

The user repeatedly performs this step on every corresponding first roller assembly (200) located within each single-spined structural pillar (100) until all corresponding first bearings (240) and second bearings (340) engages the conveyor belt bead (410). Moreover, tension on the conveyor belt (400) can be re-applied via tensioning screws on the drive pulley (502) and the tail pulley (503).

Conducting maintenance on the first roller assembly

The following example explains how the first roller assembly (200) is removed from the single-spined structural pillar (100) for inspection and if necessary, replacement of first bearings (240) or the first roller assembly (200) in its entirety.

Firstly, the adjustable roller assembly (200) is released from the locked position with the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) rotating towards the first bearing (240) which disengages the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) away from the indents (108) located in the single spined structural pillar (104). Secondly, the security pin (104) securing the engagement member (103) is manually removed to enable the engagement member (103) to be extracted through the first body (210) and the single spined structural pillar (100). The first roller assembly (200) can then be removed from the singlespine structural pillar (100) to conduct maintenance work.

Replacement of the first roller assembly (200) is a reverse procedure, wherein firstly, the C-shape profile of the first body (210) is located each side of the single spined structural pillar (100) and aligned vertically with either the locked, or unlocked positions of the pair of spring clips (102). Secondly, the engagement member (103) is manually inserted through the through-hole of one side of the first body (210), the corresponding pair of spring clips (102) and the single spined structural pillar (100) until the ends of the engagement member (103) protrude from the first body (210) at the opposing side. Thirdly, the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) is re-inserted through the two protruding arms of the engagement member (103) and manually rotated in a direction towards the first body (210) until positioned in the pair of indents (108) to secure.

Conducting maintenance on the second roller assembly

The following example explains how the second roller assembly (300) is removed from the singlespine structural pillar (100) for inspection and if necessary, replacement of corresponding second bearings (340) or the second roller assembly (300) in its entirety.

Firstly, the connecting bolt (107) and the third nut (109) are removed. Secondly, the pair of braces (105) are removed from the outdents (320) located on each side of the second body (310). The second roller assembly (300) can then be removed from the single spined structural pillar (100) to conduct maintenance work.

Replacement of the static roller assembly (300) is a reverse procedure, wherein firstly, the C-shape profile at the rear of the second body (310) is slid through the location indents (108) on the singlespine structural pillar (100) until flush with the face of the single-spine structural pillar (104). Secondly, the connecting braces (105) are replaced on the outdents (320) located on each side of the second body (310) to connect both corresponding second roller assemblies (300) to each other. Thirdly, the connecting bolt (107) and the third nut (109) are replaced and tightened to lock both second roller assemblies (300) into position.

Replacing the single spined structural pillar

The present invention is also constructed such that the curved powered belt conveyor (500) may continue operating even if one or a plurality of single spined structural pillars (100) are removed. The single-spine structural pillars (100) can be separately removed from between the frame (501) and the ring plate (504) and immediately swapped in their entirety with minimum disruption to operating time and without dismantling the entire curved belt conveyor (500). Upon removal and replacement of a new single-spine structural pillar (100), the removed single-spine structural pillar (100) can be inspected remotely to assess any issues such as the integrity of the first bearing (240) and second bearing (340) or the respective first roller assembly (200) and second roller assembly (300). Any damaged parts can be easily repaired or replaced. Once the inspections and maintenance work are completed, said single-spine structural pillar (100) can be stored and re-used where necessary on the curved belt conveyor (500) or an entirely different conveyor by replacing any damaged single-spine structural pillars (100) with repaired units held in stock.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various features are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

Claims

Claims: I /We Claim:

1. Assembly of a powered, curved belt conveyor having at least one single-spine structural pillar (100), said single-spined structural pillar (100) comprising: a plurality of through -holes extending linearly between opposing side walls of the single-spined structural pillar (100), wherein at least one through-hole has an outdent (101) on both open ends of the through -hole; a pair of spring clips (102) coupled to the outdent (101); a first roller assembly (200) positioned adjacent to the pair of spring clips (102), wherein the first roller assembly (200) comprises: a first body (210) having a through-hole on each opposing side wall of the first body (210); a first bearing (240) mounted to front side of the first body (210); and a pair of protrusion (220) positioned parallel to the base of the first body (210) having configured along each opposing side wall of the first body (210); a pair of rotatable fasteners (230) connected to the first roller assembly (200), wherein rotating the pair of fasteners (230) relative to the first bearing (240) for movement of the first roller assembly (200) between a fastened position and an unfasten position; an engagement member (103) extending through both through-hole on the first roller assembly (200) and the through -hole corresponding with the outdent (101) such that the first roller assembly (200) is in contact with the pair of spring clips (102), and a second roller assembly (300) positioned opposed to the first roller assembly (200), wherein the second roller assembly (300) comprises: a second body (310) having a pair of hollow outdent (320) with open ends on each opposing side wall of the second body (210); and a second bearing (340) mounted to the front side of the second body (310); wherein the first bearing (240) and the second bearing (340) engages a plurality of conveyor belt bead (410) sewn to a conveyor belt (400); and wherein a horizontal force applied to the pair of protrusion (220) contorts the pair of spring clips (102) to displace the engagement member (103) and the first roller assembly (200) for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

2. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pair of spring clips (102) further comprising: a first portion contacting the outer surface of the outdent (101); a second portion contacting the perimeter of the through-hole corresponding to the outdent (101); and a third portion extending away from the outdent (101) having each end connected to one end of the first portion and the second portion to form an indent that secures the first roller assembly movement within the inner space of the pair of spring clips (102).

3. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 2, wherein the pair of spring clips (102) having visual indicators to indicate the first roller assembly (200) is in the engaged position or the disengaged position.

4. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the singlespine structural pillar (100) having a pair of indents (108) configured to receive the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) for fastening of the first roller assembly (200).

5. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein a pair of support member fitted to the pair of hollow outdent (320) to fasten the second roller assembly (300) to the single-spine structural pillar (100).

6. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 5, wherein the pair of support member consist of: a pair of braces (105) fitted to corresponding pair of hollow outdent (320); a bolt spinner (106); a bolt (107); and a nut (109).

7. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein a security pin (104) fitted to one end of the engagement member (103) to secure the engagement member (103) in place with respect to the single-spine structural pillar (100).

8. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein the single-spine structural pillar (100) having at least one pair of first roller assembly (200) and one pair of second roller assembly (300) fitted to the single-spine structural pillar (100).

9. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 8, wherein single-spine structural pillar (100) is configured such that the first roller assembly (200) is positioned opposed to the second roller assembly (300) and both second roller assembly (300) are positioned opposed to one another.

10. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein the single-spine structural pillar (100) is fitted with two pairs of first roller assembly (200).

11. The single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, wherein the single-spine structural pillar (100) is fitted with two pairs of second roller assembly (300).

12. A method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar (100) according to claim 1, comprising: manipulating a pair of rotatable fastener (230) towards a first bearing (240) of a first roller assembly (200); manipulating a pair of opposing protrusion (220) of the first roller assembly (200) vertically away from a conveyor belt (400); visually inspect a pair of spring clips (102) to determine the first roller assembly (200) is in an unfastened position; performing maintenance assessment on the single-spine structural pillar (100); and performing maintenance assessment on the conveyor belt (400).

13. The method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar (100) assembled to a powered, curved conveyor belt according to claim 12, further method steps comprising one or a combination of replacing the single-spine structural pillar (100); replacing the conveyor belt (400); replacing the first bearing (240); replacing a second bearing (340) of a second roller assembly (300); replacing the first roller assembly (200); and replacing the second roller assembly (300).

14. The method for conducting maintenance on the single-spine structural pillar (100) assembled to a powered, curved conveyor belt of claims 12 and 13, further method steps comprising: manipulating the pair of opposing protrusion (220) of the first roller assembly (200) vertically towards from the conveyor belt (400); manipulating the pair of rotatable fasteners (230) towards the single-spine structural pilar (100); and visually inspect the pair of spring clips (102) to determine the first roller assembly (200) is in a fastened position.