Bulk Retrieval Device With Independently Driven Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk material removal devices for stores, such as wood pellet stores, face challenges in safe and convenient operational management, often causing material stress and undesirable side effects like dust formation and increased fines fractions due to passive removal methods.

Innovation Solution

A removal device with independently driven and controlled drive elements, allowing for precise and flexible movement of the removal head, which can move in various directions and control the dosing of bulk material, reducing material stress and minimizing friction, using a combination of drive rollers and a suction unit with a movable suction device and sensor systems for coordinated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If passive removal methods are used where bulk material slips to a stationary removal head, then the removal device structure is simple, but the bulk material experiences high stress and friction causing dust formation and increased fines fractions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial stress and dust formationVSAvoidremoval device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having a stationary removal head and allowing bulk material to slip passively to it, the invention inverts the approach by making the removal head actively move through the bulk material to reach different removal points. This active removal method reduces material stress and friction while achieving the same removal function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The removal head is transformed from a stationary component to a dynamic one equipped with multiple independently controllable drive elements. This enables the removal head to move in various directions (longitudinal, lateral, vertical) through the bulk material, reducing stress and dust formation while maintaining removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a stationary removal head is used with passive material flow, then the device is easier to operate, but the bulk material undergoes undesirable changes including increased dust and fines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulk material qualityVSAvoidoperational management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention reverses the traditional passive removal concept by implementing an active removal head that moves through the bulk material. This ensures consistent gentle handling of the material regardless of heap configuration, maintaining material quality while providing automated control through multiple drive elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independently driven drive elements are used for precise removal head movement, then the removal flexibility and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoiddrive element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into multiple independently controllable drive elements (first, second, and third drive elements) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation enables precise control of the removal head in different directions (longitudinal, lateral, vertical) while maintaining the ability to handle various bulk material configurations and removal requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables safe, efficient, and flexible removal of bulk materials with reduced stress and minimal dust formation, allowing for precise control over the movement and dosing of bulk material, enhancing operational management and storage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A conveying device for the bulk material with, for example, a suction unit such as a vacuum or vacuum conveyor and a suction pipe is usually connected to the removal head.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2669222B1Bulk retrieval device and storage facility with such a device
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 SCHELLINGER HELMUT
  • EP2669222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2669222B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2669222B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The sampling device (1) comprises a sampling head (2) and a traversing unit. The traversing unit is provided for moving the sampling head. Several independent propel and controllable drive units are provided for moving the sampling head. The rotation axis of the drive unit is altered. The drive unit is provided with elongated driving rollers (3-5).