Automatic Conveyor Deflector Linkage for Trommel Screening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deflector systems for rotary trommel screening machines require manual folding and unfolding, which can lead to operator errors and safety concerns, and do not adapt well to varying conveyor positions, potentially causing damage and spillage.

Innovation Solution

An automatic deploying and stowing deflector system with pivotally attached linkages that guide the deflectors between stowed and operating positions, allowing for adaptive deployment and folding with conveyor movement without extending the machine's length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual folding and unfolding of deflectors is used, then the operator can control the deflector position, but there is a risk of operator error and safety concerns with pinch points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoidoperator error risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector system automatically folds and unfolds through linkage mechanisms connected to the conveyor, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the conveyor's movement to drive the deflector position changes, thereby removing operator error risk and safety concerns associated with manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical linkage system. The linkage connects the conveyor movement to the deflector positioning, substituting human mechanical action with an automated mechanical system that eliminates pinch points and operator error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual folding and unfolding of deflectors is used, then the operator can adjust the deflector, but safety concerns arise due to pinch points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustmentVSAvoidpinch points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated linkage system performs the adjustment function without requiring manual operation, eliminating the creation of pinch points that would endanger operators. The system adjusts itself through the mechanical connection between conveyor and deflector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed deflector position is used, then the structure is simple, but the deflector cannot adapt to varying conveyor positions causing damage and spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidconveyor position adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed deflector position into a dynamic position that automatically adjusts with conveyor movement. The linkage mechanism creates a dynamic system where the deflector position is continuously adapted to match the conveyor position, preventing damage and spillage while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector positioning system is merged with the conveyor system through the linkage mechanism. Instead of being separate adjustable components, the deflector and conveyor are mechanically coupled, allowing the deflector to automatically follow conveyor position changes without adding independent control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If automatic linkages are used to move deflectors with conveyor, then operator error is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator error eliminationVSAvoidlinkage mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism merges the deflector positioning function with the existing conveyor system. By coupling these components together, the patent achieves automatic positioning without requiring separate independent control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3205410B1Automatic folding and deploying deflectors for conveyor

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 VERMEER MFG CO

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A deflector (124, 126, 224) for a mobile material separating machine includes a deflector body (128, 146) hingedly attached to a trommel screen frame (107) and a conveyor (110, 1) movable with respect to the trommel screen frame (107). The conveyor (110, 1) has a stowed position and an operating position. The deflector (124, 126, 224) system also includes an automatic linkage (124, 134, 154, 234) pivotably attached to the deflector body (128, 146) and to the conveyor (110, 1). The linkage (124, 134, 154, 234) moves and guides the deflector body (128, 146) when the conveyor (110, 1) moves between the stowed position and the operating position.