Compact Portable Conveyor Feed Mechanism for Tight Space Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems for handling particulate and slurry materials are bulky and require significant space, making them unsuitable for urban construction sites and landscaping environments, where compact and maneuverable solutions are needed to manage limited space and reduce operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact portable conveyor system with a base suitable for public roadways, featuring a primary conveyor pivotably mounted about horizontal and vertical axes, a feed conveyor with a pivoting segment and extending segment, and an auxiliary conveyor that can be positioned to extend beyond the primary conveyor for efficient material transfer and deposition without the need for modifying bulk transport vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional conveyor systems are used to transport fluent material, then material transfer capability is achieved, but the equipment requires substantial space and is not suitable for urban construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple sections including a feed conveyor, primary conveyor, and auxiliary conveyor that can be independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for space efficiency while maintaining overall material transfer capability in urban construction environments
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor components are designed to move in multiple dimensions - the feed conveyor can be angled relative to the primary conveyor, and the auxiliary conveyor can be positioned at various angles. This multi-dimensional positioning capability enables the system to operate in tight spaces by utilizing vertical and angular positioning rather than requiring large horizontal footprints
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feed hopper is repositioned for operation mode, then material receiving capability is improved, but the equipment width increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The feed hopper is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to be repositioned between transport mode and operation mode. During operation, the hopper can be angled and positioned to receive material from various sources including bulk transport vehicles, while maintaining a compact profile that does not substantially increase equipment width
Solution Approach 2:
The feed hopper is integrated within the overall conveyor structure in a nested arrangement, allowing it to be positioned efficiently within the existing equipment envelope rather than adding substantial external width. The hopper can be repositioned within the structural boundaries of the conveyor system
3Productivity
If conventional machines are modified to offload into the feed hopper, then material transfer efficiency is improved, but the overall size and configuration require large available spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The feed hopper is designed with universal receiving capabilities that accommodate various bulk transport vehicles without requiring modifications to those vehicles. The hopper's positioning and angling mechanisms enable it to interface with different vehicle types and configurations, achieving efficient material transfer while maintaining a compact overall system volume
Solution Approach 2:
The feed hopper acts as an intermediary component between bulk transport vehicles and the conveyor system. It is positioned and configured to receive material directly from various vehicle types through its angling and positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for vehicle modifications and reducing the space required for material transfer operations
4Length of moving object
If the conveyor is compacted for transport, then compliance with transportation regulations is achieved, but the feed hopper repositioning adds substantial width in operation mode
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the feed hopper to be repositioned from a compact transport configuration to an operational configuration. The hopper can be angled and positioned to receive material while maintaining a profile that does not substantially increase the overall equipment width, enabling transition between transport and operation modes without significant width expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A compact conveyor having a primary conveyor, a feed conveyor and a hopper mounted to a mobile base. The base may be a trailer or a vehicle bed. The primary conveyor is rotatably and pivotably mounted to the base. The feed conveyor has a pivoting segment pivotably mounted to the base near the second base end and disposed at least partially beneath the hopper. An extending segment of the feed conveyor is longitudinally-movably mounted to the pivoting segment and extends toward the first primary conveyor end. An arm is mounted to the base, the extending segment and a prime mover for, upon actuation of the prime mover, displacing the extending segment longitudinally relative to the pivoting segment and simultaneously pivoting the pivoting segment relative to the base. This end of the feed conveyor moves along an arc that extends from below the primary conveyor to above the conveyor.