Conveyor Shield Mounting Linkage for Stone Spreader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mounting systems for shield assemblies on stone spreader vehicles lack a universal and standard operational method, limiting their effectiveness and adaptability across different conveyor belt applications.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system comprising spaced apart brackets attached to the conveyor frame and linkages connecting these brackets to the shield assembly, allowing for adjustable positioning and stabilization of the shield above the conveyor belt, enabling vertical movement and tilting while preventing side-to-side rocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a shield assembly is mounted on a conveyor belt to increase throwing distance of particulate material, then the throwing distance is improved (increased to over four times traditional conveyor), but the mounting system complexity increases due to the need for adjustable positioning and stabilization mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrowing distanceVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: brackets attached to the conveyor frame, linkages for positioning, and pivot points for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving the required throwing distance enhancement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed with universal brackets and linkages that can accommodate different shield assembly configurations and conveyor belt speeds. The same basic mounting structure provides both positioning and stabilization functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal mounting system is designed to work with different stone spreader vehicle configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the precision of shield positioning may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting system adaptabilityVSAvoidshield positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates movable linkages and pivot points that allow dynamic adjustment of the shield assembly position. This dynamic capability enables the same universal mounting structure to achieve precise positioning for different vehicle configurations by adjusting the linkage angles and positions rather than requiring fixed, precision-machined positions for each application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The linkages serve as intermediary elements between the fixed brackets and the shield assembly frame. These linkages provide the necessary mechanical connection while allowing for positional adjustments, acting as a mediator that reconciles the need for universal adaptability with the requirement for precise shield positioning in different applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8534457B1Control apparatus for conveyor of particulate material
Publication Date: 2013.09.17 MAGUIRE SUPER SHIELD
  • US8534457B1 patent drawing
  • US8534457B1 patent drawing
  • US8534457B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mount for operationally positioning a shield assembly above a conveyor belt assembly. The mount comprises a pair of spaced apart brackets attached on each side of the conveyor frame, and a pair of linkages pivotally connecting the brackets to the shield assembly.