Does the Running Speed of Loop Track Conveyor System Arc Segments Need to Be Reduced?

Loop Track Conveyor System is an automated conveyor equipment that operates in a closed-loop system.The core feature is to achieve efficient circulation of materials or workpieces between different workstations through continuous track circulation. Loop Track Conveyor System usually consists of drive devices, tracks, chains/belts, and vehicles, which can flexibly adapt to the layout of the site. It is widely used in production line assembly, logistics sorting and other fields, with the advantages of high conveying efficiency, compact footprint, and precise positioning. It is a key bridge connecting various processes in modern intelligent manufacturing.

Does the Running Speed of Loop Track Conveyor System Arc Segments Need to Be Reduced?

This is a very professional and practical question. In the Loop Track Conveyor System, the speed handling of circular arc segments is indeed a core pain point in mechanical design.

As Tallman Robotics Limited, we have developed theoretical models and practical experience to address this issue through years of automation integration and solution design for Loop Track Conveyor System.

The following is a detailed answer plan, combining physical principles, Tallman Robotics’s design experience, and  market application feedback:

Physical Logic: Why do circular arc segments of Loop Track Conveyor System need to focus on speed?

In straight sections, the conveyor line of Loop Track Conveyor System mainly overcomes friction and inertia. But in the arc segment , the object (or vehicle) needs centripetal force to change its direction of motion.

Core formula:

F : The required centripetal force (provided by the track sidewall, guide wheel, or push block).
m : Load mass.
v : Running speed.
 r : Curve curvature radius.

Thus, When the load (m) and radius (r) are fixed, the square of the velocity (v) directly determines the magnitude of the lateral force.
Too fast speed → excessive lateral force → product tipping, vehicle derailment, and increased wear.  Therefore, from a physical security perspective, the operating speed of the circular arc segment of Loop Track Conveyor System usually needs to be reduced, or a sufficiently large radius should be selected in the early design stage to match the high speed.

Tallman Robotics Limited’s Design Experience and Solutions in Loop Track Conveyor System.

In the actual engineering projects of Tallman Robotics, we usually adopt a layered solution strategy to address the problem of “curve deceleration”:

1. Principle of radius priority in Loop Track Conveyor System

In our scheme design, we will first confirm the system cycle time with the client.
High speed line (>20m/min):  If the customer requests high-speed operation of the entire line, Tallman will prioritize recommending an increase in the curve radius \ (r \). For example, in the assembly line of automobile engines, in order to maintain a line speed of 1.5m/s, we often design the turning radius to be above 1000mm, and even use dedicated push friction drive to ensure that F is within the safety threshold.
Compact line (<15m/min): In situations where the site is limited (such as 3C electronic assembly), it is allowed to use a smaller radius, but the speed must be forcibly reduced in the control logic.

2. Physical forced deceleration strategy

When the physical radius cannot be changed, Tallman’s mechanical design team will adopt the following solution for Loop Track Conveyor System:
Variable pitch pusher/chain plate: Before entering a bend, the distance between the push rods is pulled apart by a physical mechanism, and the relative speed of the vehicle in the bend is forcibly reduced by mechanical means.
Guide rail auxiliary support: Add anti rollover guide rails on the outside of the curve (similar to the principle of roller coasters). According to our testing, adding auxiliary guardrails can increase the allowed cornering speed by 30% -50%, but this will increase frictional resistance, and the motor torque needs to be calculated.

3. Electrical section control

This is currently the most flexible and widely used solution in designing Loop Track Conveyor System:
Independent Drive Control: When designing an intelligent logistics line, Tallman sets the arc segment as an independent motor/drive segment. The straight section uses high-speed motors (such as variable frequency 50Hz operation), while the circular arc section uses low-speed motors (such as variable frequency 20Hz operation).
Induction logic: Install sensors at the entrance of the bend. If the distance between the vehicles behind is detected to be too close, the system will automatically reduce the speed of the bend to prevent “rear end compression” from occurring in the bend.

Market experience and suggestions in Loop Track Conveyor System.

Based on our project implementation experience in the market, we provide the following references for equipment users or integrators in selecting Loop Track Conveyor System:

1. The misconception is that ‘the higher the speed, the better’ for Loop Track Conveyor System

Many customers often only mention “production capacity” during bidding, requesting high-speed lines for the entire line. But according to Tallman’s after-sales data, 70% of bend faults (stuttering, abnormal noise, product tipping) are caused by excessively high bend speed settings.

2. The height of the product’s center of gravity is a key variable

When calculating safe speed, one should not only consider the weight (m), but also the “center of gravity height”.
For conveying thin sheet products (such as PCB boards), the speed can be slightly faster.
For vertically placed cylinders (such as batteries and bottled liquids), Tallman’s empirical safe speed formula is usually:

Generally speaking, when the height of the center of gravity exceeds the width of the vehicle, the bending speed must be controlled below 0.3-0.5 m/s.

3. Balance between cost and efficiency

Empirical data: According to Tallman’s case library, for most standard pallet conveyor lines, setting the bending speed to 50% to 70% of the linear speed is generally safe and economical.
Smooth transition: In our programming, we will set S-Curves before and after the curve. If switching directly from high speed to low speed, it will generate shock and vibration, which is absolutely not allowed in medical or precision instrument transportation.

So, in our practice,The answer from Tallman Robotics Limited regarding whether the running speed of the Loop Track Conveyor System arc segment needs to be reduced is: Yes, but speed loss can be minimized by optimizing radius and mechanical design. The final speed setting needs to be reverse checked using the physical formula provided by Tallman, taking into account your product attributes (center of gravity, size), beat requirements, and site limitations.

If you have specific load parameters and site dimensions, we can assist you in conducting further dynamic simulation analysis.

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