Bulk Material Removal Device with Vertical Lifting Head

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk material storage systems face inefficiencies in the removal process, particularly in achieving even emptying and accessing all areas of the storage space, especially when the storage space is closed or has flexible walls, and there is a need for automated and flexible handling of the removal head.

Innovation Solution

A removal device with a movable, flexible conveying pipe arrangement and an electromotive drive unit allows the extraction head to be raised and lowered vertically, and equipped with traversing means for automatic movement in a changeable curve or linear path, enabling efficient access to all areas of the storage space, including the ceiling, and includes traction means for guided movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the removal head is kept stationary at the bottom of the storage room, then the structure is simple, but the base area that can be processed is limited and emptying is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessable base areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removal head is transformed from a stationary component to a mobile one, capable of vertical movement between the bulk material surface and a parking position in the ceiling area. This dynamic configuration allows the removal head to access different areas of the storage room by being lowered onto the bulk material surface, thereby increasing the processable base area without requiring a complex array of fixed removal heads throughout the storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If lifting means are added to move the removal head vertically, then the processable base area increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemptying efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting means are designed to be integrated with the conveying pipe arrangement, utilizing the existing structural elements of the conveyor system to provide the lifting function. This self-service approach allows the conveying pipe arrangement to serve dual purposes: both material conveyance and vertical positioning of the removal head, thereby improving emptying efficiency while minimizing the addition of separate complex lifting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of repair

If the removal head can be raised to a parking position in the ceiling area, then access for maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to extraction headVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removal head is given the capability to move in the vertical dimension, transitioning from operating at the bottom of the storage room to being raisable up to a parking position in the ceiling area. This vertical displacement provides easy access to the removal head for maintenance and inspection purposes, as technicians can readily reach the head when it is positioned near the ceiling, without requiring complex external access mechanisms or disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables efficient and even emptying of bulk materials, allows for easy access and maintenance of the extraction head, and increases the processable base area by allowing the removal head to be positioned strategically, promoting homogeneous emptying and reducing manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

lifting means with an electromotive drive unit for installation within the storage room, by means of which the extraction head can be raised vertically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromotive drive: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 2

movable conveying pipe arrangement with a removal head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConveying:

Data Source

PatentEP2308784B1Removal device for assembly in a warehouse, warehouse with a removal device and method of removing and filling bulk goods
Publication Date: 2015.01.21 SCHELLINGER HELMUT
  • EP2308784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2308784B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2308784B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The withdrawal device comprises lifting devices having a drive unit which is mounted in a storage space by which a withdrawal head is raised and lowed in an installed condition in the storage space. A flexible conveying tube arrangement comprises the withdrawal head. : Independent claims are also included for: (1) a bearing with a withdrawal head in a parking position; and (2) a method for withdrawal and filling of a bulk material. USE : Withdrawal device for bulk material, particularly wooden pellets, for arrangement in a bearing (Claimed). ADVANTAGE : The withdrawal device comprises lifting devices having a drive unit which is mounted in a storage space, thus ensures an improved withdrawal device. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a schematic perspective side view of a wooden pellet bearing. 1 : Wooden pellet bearing 5c : Wall 6 : Cover 7 : Base 17 : Hauling cable.