Automated Aggregate Tank Lid Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patchers require multiple manual operations to achieve an air-tight seal for aggregate tanks, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when opening and closing the large lid needed for rapid aggregate feeding.

Innovation Solution

An automated clamping system that simultaneously opens and closes the aggregate tank lid using a controller-operated mechanism with linear accelerators to ensure an air-tight seal and control the flow rate of aggregate, allowing for exclusive electric operation during patching mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large opening is provided in the aggregate tank lid to rapidly feed fresh aggregate, then the rate of aggregate feeding is improved, but the difficulty of achieving an air-tight seal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverate of aggregate feedingVSAvoiddifficulty of achieving air-tight seal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the motor's own operation to automatically close and clamp the lid. When the motor stops, a spring automatically closes the lid and the clamping device engages, eliminating the need for manual sealing operations and ensuring an air-tight seal is achieved automatically during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical clamping operations with an automated system that uses the motor's operational state to trigger automatic lid closure and clamping. The spring mechanism and automated clamping device eliminate the need for manual sealing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple independent clamping devices are used to seal the aggregate tank lid, then the reliability of the air-tight seal is improved, but the number of manual operations required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair-tight sealVSAvoidtime for opening and closing operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clamping functions into a single integrated clamping device that can simultaneously engage with the lid at multiple points. This merging of functions allows the system to achieve a reliable air-tight seal through one automated operation rather than multiple separate manual clamping actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically closes the lid and engages the clamping device without manual intervention. The system uses its own operational state (motor stopping) to trigger the sealing action, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the sealing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual clamping devices are used to seal the aggregate tank lid, then the simplicity of the sealing mechanism is improved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of sealing mechanismVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple manual clamping devices with an automated system that uses the motor's operational state to trigger automatic lid closure and clamping. The spring mechanism and automated clamping device eliminate the need for manual sealing operations, significantly improving operational efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 automated system significantly reduces the time and effort required for sealing and unsealing the aggregate tank lid, enabling efficient and rapid aggregate dispensing while operating the patcher vehicle using electric power, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing manual labor.

Implementation Method 1

a spring to close the aggregate tank lid when the motor stops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a clamping device to clamp the aggregate tank lid to the top of the aggregate tank when the lid is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9091030B2Mini patcher for patching potholes and the like and method for performing same

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 PATCH MANAGEMENT INC

AI summary

A patcher capable of performing patching operations even when operating in confined spaces and having a pressurized aggregate storage tank and driving devices for opening and air-tightly closing the tank lid and locking/unlocking the tank lid in proper sequence. Tandem linear accelerators control the flow of aggregate from the tank to a dispensing outlet. An articulated boom assembly is operated to position an aggregate dispenser over the repair location. The boom assembly is movable to a vertical position to prevent the assembly from extending beyond the right and left sides of the patcher to provide a safe condition when travelling during a non-patching operating mode. All of the electrically-operated devices on the patcher derive energy from a common battery pack which is charged by the patcher engine during a non-patching mode and alternatively during a patching mode when the stored energy in the battery pack drops below a given threshold.