Conveyor Support Mechanism for Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support mechanisms for construction machine conveyors require complex procedures, skilled labor, and specialized equipment for removal and installation, leading to increased labor effort, machine downtime, and costs due to limited access in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism comprising a track member secured to the machine frame, a carriage member movably mounted on the track, and an attachment member that can be secured and unsecured from the conveyor, allowing for the conveyor to be moved relative to the machine, facilitating easier removal and installation using a lifting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conveyor is installed within a construction machine with limited space, then the machine structure is compact, but the complexity of removal and installation procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into distinct segments: a track member secured to the frame, a carriage member that moves along the track, and an attachment member that connects to the conveyor. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall removal and installation process despite the compact machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage member is designed to be movable along the track member, providing dynamic adjustment capability. This mobility allows the support mechanism to adapt to different conveyor positions and facilitate easier removal and installation by moving the carriage along the track to access different locations within the compact machine space.
2Reliability
If specialized components and systems are used for conveyor removal and installation, then the reliability of the process is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, where the track member, carriage member, and attachment member can work together for both removal and installation operations. The attachment member can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the conveyor, allowing the same mechanism to perform multiple functions without requiring specialized equipment for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism enables the conveyor to be removed and installed using the machine's own integrated components rather than requiring external specialized equipment. The carriage member moving along the track provides self-contained support and movement capability, allowing the system to service itself without additional specialized tools or lifts.
3Reliability
If a complicated removal procedure is employed, then the conveyor can be safely removed from confined spaces, but the labor effort and service duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is designed to be selectively engaged with the conveyor before removal operations begin. The carriage member can be positioned along the track in advance to prepare the support mechanism. This preliminary preparation ensures that the conveyor is properly secured and supported before the actual removal process, enabling safe removal while reducing the time and effort required during the execution phase.
4Reliability
If skilled labor is required for conveyor removal and installation, then the process reliability is improved, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism extracts the complexity from the removal and installation process by providing an integrated, purpose-built system. Instead of requiring skilled workers to manually manage complex external equipment, the track member, carriage member, and attachment member work together as a unified system that simplifies the operational steps while maintaining reliability through its specialized design.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction machine includes a frame. The machine includes an engine mounted on the frame. The machine includes a milling tool rotatably mounted on the frame and configured to be selectively coupled to the engine. The machine also includes a conveyor removably mounted on the frame. The machine further includes a support mechanism mounted on the frame. The support mechanism includes a track member secured to the frame. The support mechanism also includes at least one carriage member movably mounted on the track member. The support mechanism further includes an attachment member secured to the at least one carriage member and the conveyor. The attachment member is configured to be selectively unsecured from the conveyor. The support mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the conveyor relative to the construction machine.