Conveyor Articulation Joint for Cold Planer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold planer machines face challenges in adjusting the position of the secondary conveyor system relative to the primary conveyor system and in efficiently disconnecting the secondary conveyor system from the machine, which affects operational efficiency and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor articulation joint system comprising a support member, a pivot member, a joint, and an actuator that allows the pivot member to rotate, enabling adjustment of the secondary conveyor system's position and facilitating its disconnection from the planer machine, using a quick disconnect mechanism and conveyor lift actuator for precise positioning and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary conveyor system is fixed to the planer machine, then structural stability is maintained, but operational flexibility and ease of disconnection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate components: a fixed support member attached to the machine frame and a movable pivot member attached to the conveyor system. This segmentation allows the conveyor to be easily connected and disconnected while maintaining structural stability when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic articulated connection using a pivot member that can rotate about a joint. This dynamic element enables both stable operation when connected and easy disconnection when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the secondary conveyor system is articulated with rotation capability, then positioning precision is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational movement function is extracted from the main conveyor structure and placed in a separate pivot member that rotates about a joint. This extraction simplifies the overall structure while maintaining positioning precision through the dedicated rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A joint acts as an intermediary element between the fixed support member and the movable pivot member, enabling controlled rotation and precise positioning without requiring complex direct connections between the main components.
3Loss of time
If a quick disconnect mechanism is implemented, then disconnection time is reduced, but reliability of connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support member and pivot member are pre-configured with complementary connection interfaces that align automatically during the connection process. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable connection without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor articulation joint for a planer machine is disclosed. The conveyor articulation joint includes a support member affixed to a machine attachment point, a pivot member having a conveyor attachment point, a joint connecting the support member and the pivot member, and an actuator configured to rotate the pivot member about the joint.