Collapsible Gate for Transport Trailer Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding door designs for transport trailers' discharge openings are difficult to operate when the trailer is fully loaded with bulk materials, requiring significant manual effort to open and close.
Innovation Solution
A powered gate assembly with a track system comprising a vertical and angular guide rod configuration, allowing rectangular gates to pivot and slide, with an actuator for easy opening and closing, accommodating varying material flow characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sliding door design is used for the discharge opening, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to operate when the trailer is fully loaded with bulk materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional manual sliding door mechanism with a powered gate assembly that uses an actuator (electric motor, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic actuator) to automatically open and close the discharge opening. This substitution eliminates the need for manual cranking and sliding operations, significantly improving ease of operation when the trailer is fully loaded with bulk materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate assembly incorporates a movable gate that can dynamically transition between open and closed positions along a track system. The gate is designed to move vertically along guide rods rather than sliding horizontally, allowing it to adapt to the weight and flow characteristics of bulk materials during discharge operations.
2Ease of operation
If a hand crank is provided to move the sliding door, then the door can be opened and closed, but it requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hand crank mechanism with an automated actuator system that provides the necessary force to open and close the gate. The actuator (electric motor, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic actuator) eliminates the need for significant manual force, allowing operators to control the discharge opening with minimal physical effort even when the trailer is fully loaded.
3Ease of operation
If a powered actuator is used to move the gates, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate assembly is divided into separate functional components: the gate itself, the track system with guide rods, the actuator mechanism, and the control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and replacement, reducing the overall complexity impact despite the added automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: opening the gate, closing the gate, and potentially controlling the rate of discharge by adjusting gate position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maximizing operational benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate assembly comprising of a track comprising a vertical portion and two angular portions on opposing sides of the hopper. A pair of rectangular gates each comprising a longitudinal edge and opposing lateral edges slidingly engaged on the track allows the gates to move between a lowered, closed position and a raised, open position. A hinge combines the longitudinal edge of each of the pair of rectangular gates and allows them to pivot toward and away from each other during closing and opening, respectively.