Mobile Conveyor Protection Between Opposed Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile bulk material processing plants face damage during transportation due to exposed conveyors being susceptible to contact with road objects and structures, necessitating a solution to protect these components during transit.

Innovation Solution

A mobile bulk material processing apparatus with a conveyor system that includes pivot joints, additional pivot mountings, and power-operated linear actuators to change configuration between operative and transport positions, allowing the conveyor to be raised, lowered, and slewed, thereby protecting it from damage by suspending it below the main frame and accommodating it between opposed beams during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the conveyor is extended to provide remote stockpiling capability, then the productivity and operational flexibility are improved, but the conveyor becomes more exposed and vulnerable to damage during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote stockpiling capabilityVSAvoiddamage from road objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor is designed with dynamic positioning capability through pivot joints and linear actuators, allowing it to change configuration between operative (extended) and transport (retracted/elevated) positions. This enables the system to adapt its structure based on operational requirements versus transportation safety needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor can be elevated vertically between opposed beams during transport, moving from a horizontal ground-level position to a vertical elevated position. This dimensional change removes the conveyor from the harmful road environment while maintaining its functional capability for remote stockpiling when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If the conveyor is folded to minimize projection distance, then the transportability is improved, but the remote stockpiling capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor projection distanceVSAvoidremote stockpiling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system incorporates multiple pivot joints and linear actuators that enable dynamic adjustment between extended and folded configurations. This allows the conveyor to achieve maximum projection distance during operation for remote stockpiling, then return to a compact folded state for transportation without permanent loss of capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the conveyor is exposed during transportation, then the ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the vulnerability to damage from road objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor accessibilityVSAvoiddamage from road objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor is designed to dynamically change its position between exposed (operative) and protected (transport) states. During transportation, the conveyor is elevated between opposed beams for protection, while during operation it is lowered to ground level for ease of operation and maintenance, providing the best of both conditions at appropriate times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2837585B1Main frame for mobile bulk processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • EP2837585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2837585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2837585B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile bulk material processing apparatus (100) having a main frame (102) comprising a pair of opposed beams (108) that are spaced apart in a widthwise direction across the apparatus. The beams are arranged to receive at least part of a conveyor (114) to protect the conveyor in a raised transport position.