Deployable Conveyor Mechanical Sweeper Debris Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical sweepers face inefficiencies due to limited debris reservoir size, requiring frequent travel to landfills, and are hindered by large debris jamming issues in auger systems, which reduces operational effectiveness and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical sweeper with a deployable conveyor assembly that allows debris to be conveyed directly to an auxiliary vehicle, featuring a pickup broom, first belt conveyor, and a deployable conveyor system with a coupling mechanism for extending and folding, operated by an unpowered trailer for reduced maintenance and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional self-propelled sweeper with a rotary brush and container is used, then debris can be captured and stored, but the limited reservoir size requires frequent travel to landfills, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the debris storage function from the sweeper vehicle itself by implementing a deployable conveyor system that directly transfers debris to an auxiliary vehicle (dump truck). This eliminates the need for the sweeper to return to landfills, as the debris is continuously removed during the sweeping operation, thereby maintaining high operational efficiency while effectively increasing debris handling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an auxiliary vehicle (dump truck) as an intermediary for debris storage. The deployable conveyor acts as a mediator between the sweeper's collection system and the auxiliary vehicle's large capacity body, enabling continuous debris transfer without interrupting the sweeping operation. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing extended storage capacity externally rather than internally.
2Ease of operation
If an auger system is used to convey debris, then material can be directed onto conveyor belts, but larger debris becomes jammed in the auger, impairing proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic auger component from the debris conveying system and replaces it with a direct belt conveyor configuration. The pickup broom transfers debris directly onto the first belt conveyor, which then conveys material to the deployable conveyor. This extraction of the auger eliminates the jamming issue while maintaining effective debris conveying capability through the belt system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical auger system with a belt conveyor system for debris transfer. The belt conveyor provides a continuous surface that can accommodate various debris sizes without the mechanical interference and jamming problems inherent in auger systems. This mechanical substitution maintains reliable operation while preserving effective debris conveying.
3Productivity
If a towed mechanical sweeper is used, then debris can be conveyed to a dump truck, but the sweeper must be detached when the truck is full, reducing cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a deployable conveyor assembly that can be dynamically extended and retracted. During cleaning operations, the conveyor is extended to transfer debris to the auxiliary vehicle. When the auxiliary vehicle is full or needs to move to a new location, the conveyor is retracted into a compact folded position, allowing the sweeper to quickly relocate without detachment. This dynamic configuration maintains high productivity while minimizing time loss through rapid deployment and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable conveyor is designed to be pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment when needed. The system maintains the conveyor in a compact state during transit, and can be quickly extended when an auxiliary vehicle is positioned for debris receipt. This preliminary preparation and rapid deployment capability ensures minimal interruption to cleaning operations, maintaining high productivity while reducing time loss during transitions.
4Productivity
If a self-propelled mechanical sweeper with auger and multiple conveyors is used, then debris can be conveyed to auxiliary vehicles, but the system is complex and slow, requiring transport on trucks or trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the debris conveying function into distinct modular components: a pickup broom assembly for collection, a first belt conveyor for initial transfer, and a deployable conveyor assembly for discharge to auxiliary vehicles. Each component is independently designed and can be selectively deployed. This segmentation simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining effective debris conveying capability, and the modular design facilitates easier maintenance and reduced complexity compared to integrated auger systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally pertains to a mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.