English (UK) 
简体中文 "Do you always get a backache from moving large items around the house? Want to get a small conveyor belt to save energy but afraid it's too expensive?" Hey, I know this question all too well! Today, let's talk about how toWith the least expensive, most foolproof methodI'm going to make a practical roller line at home. Don't be afraid to follow the steps - after all, I also came from the "don't even know what a bearing is".
🔧 I. Material Preparation: Hundred Dollar Budget Can Be Handled Too
Don't think you have to spend a lot of money when you hear "conveyor line". There are only four core materials:
- platenPVC material, 50-60mm diameter is fine (cheap!). . Go to hardware market or buy online, single 5-8 yuan, 10 enough for home use.
- bracketI'm going to get one at the yard sale.U-shaped steel frame(dozens of them), or nail them yourself with thick strips of solid wood.
- mechanical system: 12V DC geared motor ($30 at one of the stores) +synchronous belt(Toothed belt is more non-slip).
- transmission element: Used bearing housings ($2/each), gear set (motor comes with 1, drum comes with 10 used gears).
💡 Personal experience of stepping in the pits.Motor power selection 30W is enough! I tried changing it with an old printer motor and it wouldn't carry the case...lesson learnt the hard way!
🔨 Two, three-step assembly: even for handicapped people
(1) Building a skeleton: U-frame is the core
Lay the U-frame flat, front and back sidesIsometric welded bearing housing(Don't space them more than 30cm apart or the boxes will get stuck). Here comes the point.Bearing housing must be aligned! Take a straightedge and compare the welds, the crooked roller won't turn.
(2) Installation of rollers: PVC money-saving techniques
Cut the PVC pipe into rollers of uniform length (length = shelf width + 5cm) and tuck the ends into the bearings.Key Tips: Use ofHeat gun heating portRe-insert bearings, automatically snap together after cooling, save screws!
(3) Connecting drive: Toothed belt anti-loosening tips
- The motor is mounted on the side of the frame with the main gear aligned with the first drum gear;
- The toothed belt goes round all the gears.Tighten to 1cm when pressed with your finger..;
- retrofittinglimit switch! Use screws + a piece of iron to press on the toothed belt to prevent it from slipping over time - this trick costs 50 cents and doubles the effect.
⚡ III. Circuit wiring: safety first!
The motor is connected to a 12V power supply (the old router power supply will work), don't reverse the positive and negative terminals! Afraid of burning the board?Add a $5 fuse.The power is automatically cut off when there is a short circuit. The switch is a boat switch, glued to the side of the shelf within easy reach.
📢 Seriously.Don't save this step!My neighbour tried to save himself the trouble by wrapping the bare wire directly around it, and it smoked and set the delivery box on fire...
🛠 IV. Guide to debugging and avoiding pitfalls
- Problem 1: The drum doesn't spin?
Check three places: gear bite is too tight (loose toothed belt), bearing seized (spray WD40 lubrication), insufficient voltage (change 2A power supply). - Problem #2: Boxes running off the rails?
Fine-tune the roller height: whichever side is low, the roller height will be adjusted.Thin iron sheets for pads, until the box goes straight ahead. - Question 3: Noisy?
80% is gear oil starved!Lithium grease(Don't use motor oil, it invites dust).
🌟 V. Personal note: The essence of DIY is "enough".
Some people ask, "Why don't we use chain drives?" --Household lightweight items, toothed belt cheap enough for good maintenance! I've had this one for three years and the total cost of moving cat food and delivery boxes every week was less than $200.
One final word.: Don't strive for industrial-grade perfection. Screws a little wobbly? Wrap a wire around it twice; rust spots on the shelves? Put on a layer of moisture-proof stickers...Solving problems is more important than aestheticsAfter all, we're trying to save our backs, not open an exhibition, right? After all, we want to save our backs, not open an exhibition, right?
(Having trouble getting your hands dirty? Dump it in the comments section and we'll figure it out together!)
