Cover Plate Winding Mechanism for Container Loading Openings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for covering horizontal loading openings on containers are complex, hinder the loading process, and can be damaged due to the rigid attachment of rolled-up rubber plates, which complicates winding and unwinding and increases the risk of damaging fastening eyes.
Innovation Solution
A cover plate system with profiles for holding and guiding that are force-fittingly connected, featuring a 45° angled web with snap hooks for attaching a retaining chain, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment, and a direct frictional connection between the winding shaft and cover plate, enabling efficient rolling up and unrolling by adapting to the roll diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rolled-up rubber plate is firmly screwed to the container, then the cover is securely fixed, but it hinders the loading process and can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is segmented from the container structure through removable fastening eyes and chains, allowing the cover to be detached when needed for loading while remaining secure during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static firmly-screwed connection to a dynamic removable connection using chains and snap hooks, enabling the cover to be easily attached and detached based on operational needs
2Reliability
If the rubber plate is firmly screwed to the container, then the cover remains stable, but damage to the cover and fastening eyes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful firmly-screwed connection is extracted and replaced with a gentler chain-based fastening system that provides stability without the damage risks associated with rigid screw connections
Solution Approach 2:
The chain and snap hook system provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled movement and absorption of forces, preventing the sudden shocks that cause damage to both the cover and fastening eyes
3Reliability
If retaining straps are added to the rubber plate, then the cover can be retained, but winding and unwinding becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The chains act as intermediaries between the cover plate and the container, providing retention functionality without the mechanical interference that retaining straps create during winding and unwinding operations
4Reliability
If the cover plate is firmly attached, then it provides stable coverage, but it obstructs the loading process
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate transitions from a static firmly-attached state to a dynamic removable state through the chain and snap hook system, allowing it to provide stable coverage when needed and be quickly removed to enable efficient loading operations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for covering a horizontal loading opening (3) of a container (4) such as a settling trough or container, or the like, with a cover plate (1) that can be flexibly closed over the loading opening (3) and which can be wound up or unwound along the side walls (8) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA) of the container (4) to a roller (2) associated with an end wall (23.1) of the container, wherein the cover plate (1) has profiles (5.1 to 6.6 and 16.1 to 16.6) perpendicular to the side walls (8) for stiffening and for holding and/or guiding. The object of the invention is to improve a device of the type mentioned above in such a way that the cover does not impede the loading process of the container, damage to the cover is avoided, and the closing and opening of the loading opening is significantly simplified while increasing safety. This object is achieved by providing a roller (2) on an end face (13.1) a frictionally connected winding shaft (9) with hand crank (11) for winding and unwinding the cover plate (1) is provided on a top surface (OS) of the cover plate (1), and that the profiles (5.1 to 5.6; 16.1 to 16.6) are each composed of a top chord (17) and a bottom chord (18) arranged one above the other, which frictionally connect the cover plate (1).