Closure Actuation Assembly for Bulk Storage Bin Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulty in accessing and manually operating the closure assembly of large hopper-style bulk storage bins, requiring them to crouch or crawl, which poses hazards and is not universally adaptable to different bin configurations.
Innovation Solution
A closure actuation assembly that allows operation from a peripheral location under the bin wall, featuring a movement rod and support structure with adjustable components to accommodate various bin designs, eliminating the need for crouching and minimizing hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure assembly is positioned at the bottom center of the bin, then the closure can effectively block the bottom opening, but operators must crouch or crawl to access it, creating safety hazards and reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
A movement rod serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits force from the operator to the closure assembly. The rod connects the closure actuation assembly (positioned at the bottom center) to the gate (positioned at the bottom opening), allowing the operator to operate the closure from a safe peripheral location while still effectively blocking the opening
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct vertical access (operator crouching/crawling at the bottom center) to horizontal/ peripheral access (operator standing at the periphery and using the movement rod). This dimensional change allows the operator to remain in a safer, more accessible position while still controlling the closure mechanism
2Device complexity
If a fixed support structure is used for the closure actuation assembly, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different bin configurations and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable components including an adjustment slot in the support plate and a support slide that can move along the slot. These dynamic elements allow the structure to adapt to different bin configurations and sizes while maintaining relative structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be universally applicable to different bin types and configurations. The adjustable support slide and movement rod can be positioned to accommodate various bin diameters and closure positions, making a single design suitable for multiple applications
3Stability of the object's composition
If the movement rod is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but it cannot adapt to different bin sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The movement rod transitions from a fixed position to an adjustable position along the support plate. The support slide can move along the adjustment slot to different positions, allowing the rod to be repositioned for different bin sizes while maintaining structural stability at each configured position
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a closure actuation assembly to actuate a bin closure apparatus on a storage bin apparatus, and the assembly may include a gate movement structure to move a gate of the closure assembly. The gate movement structure may include a movement rod for engaging the gate. The actuation assembly may further include a support structure which in turn includes a support beam for mounting on the bin elevating structure, a securing element provided on the support beam for securing the support beam, and a support plate mounted on the support beam and having an adjustment slot for passing the movement rod therethrough. The support structure may include a support slide mounted on the support plate and having a support aperture to receive the movement rod passing through the adjustment slot. The position of the support slide over the adjustment slot may be adjustable.