Conveying Bucket Emptying Chute With Pivoting Receiving Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for emptying conveying buckets during shaft sinking are inefficient, requiring separate operations for filling and emptying, and take significantly longer than filling, with the hoisting rope needing to be moved to facilitate emptying, leading to increased time and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A device with a receiving element that allows the conveying bucket to be tilted without moving the conveyor rope, using an actuator to pivot the bucket between a receiving and emptying position, enabling simultaneous filling and emptying of buckets through a chute with a rotatable and pivotable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conveying bucket is emptied by lowering the conveyor cable and rotating the bucket with a tilting chain, then the bucket can be emptied into the chute, but the emptying process takes significantly longer than filling (90-180 seconds vs 30 seconds) and the hoisting rope must be moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket emptying operationVSAvoidbucket circulation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The emptying device is segmented into independent functional components: a receiving element that detachably connects to the conveying bucket, a rotatable receiving element that pivots between receiving and emptying positions, and a chute. This segmentation allows the bucket to be emptied without moving the hoisting rope, as the receiving element independently manipulates the bucket position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving element acts as an intermediary between the conveying bucket and the chute. It detachably connects to the bucket and provides a retaining connection, enabling the bucket to be tilted and emptied without directly manipulating the hoisting rope. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by decoupling the emptying operation from hoisting rope movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the conveying bucket is emptied by lowering the conveyor cable, then the bucket can be tilted and emptied, but separate operations for filling and emptying are required and cannot occur simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket emptying speedVSAvoidemptying device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is designed to be rotatable and pivotable, providing dynamic adaptability. It can switch between a receiving position (for bucket attachment) and an emptying position (for material discharge). This dynamic capability enables simultaneous filling and emptying operations while managing device complexity through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving element establishes a retaining connection with the conveying bucket before the emptying process begins. This preliminary action secures the bucket in place, allowing subsequent tilting and emptying operations to proceed efficiently without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the emptying process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a tilting chain is used to rotate the conveying bucket, then the bucket can be tilted for emptying, but the chain must be detachably attached and released, adding operational steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket tilting operationVSAvoidtilting chain mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting chain mechanism is extracted and replaced with a receiving element that is integrally part of the emptying device. The receiving element detachably connects to the conveying bucket and provides the tilting function through its own pivotable structure, eliminating the need for a separate tilting chain attachment and release process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution significantly reduces bucket circulation times, enhances automation, and ensures reliable operation, particularly in unmanned scenarios, by allowing simultaneous filling and emptying without moving the hoisting rope.

Implementation Method 1

pivoting between a receiving position and an emptying position by means of an actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the loosened rock/soil (material) in the conveying bucket is conveyed away... the loosened soil/rock falls out of the bucket by gravity into a chute

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20260002444A1Device for emptying conveying buckets during the sinking of shafts

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 HERRENKNECHT AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for emptying a conveying bucket of rock/soil loosened during the sinking of a shaft with a chute (20) for the rock/soil (400) emptied from the conveying bucket (200, 200′), which can be moved linearly between a conveying bucket transport position and a conveying bucket emptying position by means of an actuator. A receiving element (30) for the conveying bucket (200, 200′) is provided for establishing a retaining connection between the chute (20) and the conveying bucket (200, 200′), which is arranged on the chute (20) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (33), the receiving element (30) being pivotable between a receiving position (420) and an emptying position (430) by means of an actuator (34).