Bulk Bag Conditioning System with Arcuous Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk bag conditioning systems apply substantial downward forces, which can damage the bags and require a larger footprint, limiting their efficiency and safety.

Innovation Solution

A bulk bag material conditioner system with hydraulically driven pivoting conditioning assemblies that rotate upward in an arcuous motion, reducing the need for substantial downward force and featuring a lift assembly with a rotary turntable for versatile positioning and conditioning of the bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If compacting frames apply opposing forces directly opposite one another in a linear fashion, then the conditioning force is applied effectively, but substantial downward force is generated that damages bags and increases footprint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning forceVSAvoiddownward force damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional linear downward conditioning approach by using an upward arcuous motion. The pivoting conditioning assemblies move in an arc from a retracted position to a conditioned position, applying force upward on the bulk bag material rather than downward. This inversion eliminates the harmful downward forces while maintaining effective conditioning through the upward arcuous movement path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvilinear motion through pivoting assemblies that travel in an arcuous path rather than linearly. The conditioning assemblies pivot about attachment points and follow a curved trajectory, applying conditioning force along a circular arc path. This curvature allows the system to apply effective conditioning force without generating substantial downward forces, resolving the contradiction between force effectiveness and harmful downward pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If compacting frames use linear opposing forces, then the structure is simple, but the footprint and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear one-dimensional motion to two-dimensional arcuous motion. The conditioning assemblies pivot and move along a curved path in a vertical plane rather than moving linearly horizontally. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve effective conditioning within a smaller horizontal footprint, as the arcuous motion utilizes vertical space more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic pivoting assemblies that can rotate and adjust their position along an arcuous path, rather than fixed linear positioning. The hydraulic cylinders drive the assemblies through a rotating arc motion, allowing the conditioning force to be applied dynamically along a curved trajectory. This dynamic motion reduces the static footprint requirements compared to linear opposing force systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If downward force is applied to condition bulk bag material, then the material is compressed, but the bulk bag can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial conditioningVSAvoidbag integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the force direction from conventional downward compression to upward conditioning force. The pivoting conditioning assemblies apply force upward on the bulk bag material during their arcuous motion, achieving effective material conditioning while preserving bag integrity. This inversion of force direction eliminates the risk of downward force damage while maintaining manufacturing precision for material conditioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system significantly decreases the footprint, reduces the risk of bag damage by applying upward force, and allows for efficient and thorough material conditioning with customizable pressure and positioning.

Implementation Method 1

The bulk bag pivoting conditioning assemblies are typically hydraulically driven and fixably mounted to the cross supports of the main conditioner frame such that when the hydraulic cylinder is activated to actuate the bulk bag pivoting conditioning assemblies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates a manual or powered rotary turntable as an element of the lift assembly or place on the lift. The bulk bag is placed on the rotary turntable prior to conditioning. When in use, this allows the conditioner to contact any surface of the bulk bag. Typically the bulk bag is conditioned on two opposing surfaces, the rotary turntable rotates the bag 90°

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentUS8567312B2Bulk bag conditioning system

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 MATERIAL TRANSFER & STORAGE INC

AI summary

A Bulk Bag Material Conditioning System that includes a main conditioner frame and a plurality of bulk bag conditioner assemblies engaged to the upper portion of the main conditioner frame where the bulk bag conditioner assemblies travel a non-linear path, typically on an arcuous path from a bulk bag disengaged position to a bulk bag engaging position.