Curved Rock Separator Tines Prevent Lodgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock separation equipment lacks effective visibility and strength for efficient removal of rocks from soil, often causing rocks to become lodged between tines and failing to maintain high visibility during operation.
Innovation Solution
A rock separator with a curved bucket design and angled tines that are secured to a mounting plate, allowing for high visibility and strength, preventing rock lodgment and ensuring effective separation by allowing dirt and debris to fall through while keeping rocks contained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rock separation equipment is used, then rocks can be separated from soil, but rocks become lodged between tines and visibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the tines with a curved configuration rather than straight lines. The curved tines follow an arc pattern that prevents rocks from becoming lodged between them, as the curved surfaces guide rocks along the tine contours rather than trapping them in sharp corners or gaps between straight tines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by arranging tines in a three-dimensional curved pattern rather than a flat plane. The tines are positioned at different heights and angles, creating a volumetric separation zone that improves both rock capture efficiency and operator visibility into the separation chamber.
2Reliability
If traditional rock separation equipment is used, then rocks can be separated from soil, but the equipment lacks sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The curved tine design distributes mechanical stresses along the arc of each tine rather than concentrating forces at single points. This curved geometry provides inherent structural reinforcement, allowing the tines to withstand the forces of rock impact and soil resistance without requiring excessive material thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining multiple materials with different properties - the tines appear to be made of high-strength metal for rock impact resistance, while the supporting structure uses a different material composition optimized for structural integrity and weight management.
3Reliability
If traditional rock separation equipment is used, then rocks can be separated from soil, but visibility of the separation area is poor
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging tines in a three-dimensional curved pattern with varying heights and angles, the patent creates open spaces and viewing corridors that allow operators to see into the separation chamber from multiple angles, significantly improving visibility of the rock separation process.
4Reliability
If curved bucket design is used, then rocks are kept in the bucket and visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved bucket and curved tines are formed as integrated components rather than assembled from multiple parts. The curvature is achieved through forming processes that create the desired arc shapes in single-piece constructions, reducing the number of joints, fasteners, and assembly steps required.
Data Source
AI summary
A rock separator for separating rocks from soil, where the rock separator includes a mounting plate a plurality of elongate tines secured to the mounting plate, where the plurality of elongate tines define a curved shape across the mounting plate, a plurality of support members laterally joining the plurality of elongate tines and an attachment bracket on the mounting plate for releasably mounting to a machine. The mounting plate has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The attachment bracket is attached directly to the mounting plate, where the plurality of elongate tines do not move relative the attachment bracket.