Adjustable Vibration Mount for Material Feeding Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aggregate handling equipment faces challenges in efficiently handling different materials due to varying compositions, as some materials do not feed easily through feed hoppers, necessitating adjustable vibrating units to optimize material flow.

Innovation Solution

A material feeding assembly featuring a vibrating unit mounted on a pipe with flanged ends, seated in semi-circular bearing supports and clamped by adjustable plates, allowing for rotation to adjust the direction of throw, enabling optimal handling of diverse materials by varying the angle of vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed vibrating unit is used in the feed hopper, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently handle different materials with varying compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different materialsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibrating unit is made adjustable through a mounting mechanism that allows rotation and repositioning. The pipe with flanged ends can be rotated to different angles and secured at various positions, enabling the vibration direction and intensity to be dynamically adjusted according to different material properties, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feed hopper is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different vibrating unit configurations. The pipe-supported mounting system with multiple securing positions allows the same structure to handle various material types (aggregate, sand, gravel, etc.) by adjusting the vibrating unit orientation, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized hoppers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the vibrating unit is made adjustable to optimize material flow, then material handling efficiency improves, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial flow efficiencyVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into modular components: a pipe support, flanged ends, clamp plates with semi-circular bearing faces, and bolt securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (support, rotation, positioning, securing) while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling adjustment without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe is pre-formed with flanged ends that facilitate easy attachment and rotation. The clamp plates are pre-positioned with semi-circular bearing faces that guide the pipe rotation and provide predetermined securing positions, allowing quick adjustment to optimize material flow without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid mounting structure is used, then the structure is stable, but it cannot adjust the direction of throw for different materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of vibration directionVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure transitions from a completely rigid design to a semi-dynamic system where the pipe can rotate and be repositioned. The flanged ends with clamp plates provide stable securing at selected positions while allowing rotation during adjustment, achieving a balance between structural stability and directional adaptability for different material handling requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe acts as an intermediary element between the vibrating unit and the feed hopper structure. It provides a stable mounting surface for the vibrating unit while its rotatable connection to the feed hopper allows adjustment of the direction of throw, mediating between the need for structural stability and the need for adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient handling of different materials by allowing adjustable vibration angles, improving the flow of materials through feed hoppers and screens, enhancing the versatility of aggregate handling equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient container mount for mounting the container on a support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a vibrating unit mounted on the container and being operable to vibrate the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

each support having a semi-circular bearing face for complementary reception of the pipe, a clamping plate associated with each support having a semi-circular bearing face for complementary engagement with the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2894117B1A material feeding assembly
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 PORTAFILL INT
  • EP2894117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2894117B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2894117B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A material feeding assembly (1) has a material handling container (2). A number of spaced-apart sets of springs (3) are provided at each side of the container (2) for mounting the container (2) on a support frame or chassis. Two vibrating motors (5) are mounted at a bottom (9) of the container (2) by a mount comprising a pipe (6) which clamps to an underside of the container (2) by means of clamp plates (7). The vibrating motors (5) are operable to vibrate the container (2) for feeding material to an outlet of the container (2). The clamp plates (7) can be loosened to allow rotation of the pipe (6) and then re-engaged to adjust the direction of throw of the vibrating motors (5) for optimum handling of different materials in the container (2).