Conveyor Support Arms With Powered Wheel for Precise Grain Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of conveying materials from one vehicle to another is cumbersome and time-consuming, often resulting in spills due to incorrect positioning and the need for frequent repositioning of vehicles and conveyance systems, especially when handling multiple types of materials.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor support system featuring a primary arm and a secondary arm with a powered wheel and tire assembly, allowing for controlled rotation and positioning of the conveyor between transport and deployed positions, reducing manual effort and minimizing spills by distributing the conveyor's mass effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of conveyor between vehicles is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect vehicle positions and coordinates conveyor positioning electronically, eliminating the need for manual alignment while improving positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system automatically positions itself relative to the vehicles through integrated sensors and control mechanisms that detect vehicle locations and adjust conveyor position without human intervention, achieving self-positioning functionality
2Ease of operation
If conveyor mass is concentrated in one location, then structural simplicity is improved, but rotation control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conveyor support structure into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each section having independent support and rotation capability, allowing distributed mass control and easier rotational maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements such as movable supports or adjustable mass distribution mechanisms that allow the conveyor to adapt its mass distribution during rotation, improving rotational control while managing structural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent repositioning of vehicles and conveyor is performed, then adaptability to different materials is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal conveyor system with adjustable configurations that can handle multiple material types through a single integrated platform, reducing the need for complete repositioning and specialized equipment for different materials
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and configuration adjustments before material transfer begins, allowing quick switching between different material handling modes without requiring frequent complete repositioning, thus maintaining productivity while achieving versatility
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A conveyor support system is disclosed. The conveyor support system comprising: a first support arm (138) having a first end coupled to a frame (122) of an agricultural vehicle (100) and having a second end that removably engages a first portion of a conveyor assembly (130) that conveys material relative to a tank (102) on the agricultural vehicle (100); a first actuator (153) that moves the second end of the first support arm (138) between a raised, transport position and a lowered position; a second support arm (140) having a first end coupled to the frame (122) of the agricultural vehicle (100) and a second end pivotally coupled to a second portion of the conveyor assembly (130), the conveyor assembly (130) being pivotal relative to the second support arm (140), in a first direction, about a first pivot axis (146) and in a second direction, about a second pivot axis (149); a second actuator (156) that moves the second end of the second support arm (140) between a retracted, transport position, in which the second end of the second support arm (140) is closely proximate the agricultural vehicle (100), and a deployed position in which the second end of the second support arm (140) is further spaced from the agricultural vehicle (100) than when in the retracted, transport position; a ground engaging element (152) coupled to the first portion of the conveyor assembly (130) and, when the first actuator (153) moves the second end of the first support arm (138) to the lowered position, the ground engaging element (152) engages a support surface; and a motor (154) coupled to drive the ground engaging element (152) in a drive direction, when the ground engaging element (152) is in contact with the support surface, so the first portion of the conveyor assembly (130) disengages from second end of the first support arm (138). Further, an agricultural vehicle (100) with such a conveyor support system is disclosed.