Deployable Unloading Mechanism for Dry Concrete Silo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dry concrete silo devices face limitations in weight, size, and unloading efficiency due to transport constraints, leading to reduced concrete capacity and complicated on-site unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A dry concrete silo device with a deployable and retractable unloading mechanism, allowing the unloading means to transition between a retracted position inside the structure and a deployed position outside, featuring an inclined design for improved unloading height and capacity, and a maritime container-like shape for efficient transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the silo device is designed with a fixed unloading means inside the structure, then the device is simple and stable, but the unloading height is low and the concrete capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading means is designed to be movable between a retracted position inside the tank and a deployed position outside the tank. This dynamic configuration allows the unloading means to adjust its position based on operational needs, enabling higher unloading heights and increased concrete capacity when deployed, while maintaining a compact and simple structure when retracted.
2Quantity of substance
If the silo device is made lighter for transport, then it is easier to transport by truck, but the concrete capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The silo device is divided into a permanent structure and a movable unloading means. The permanent structure provides the main concrete capacity and is transported as-is, while the unloading means is a separate, lightweight component that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows the heavy concrete capacity to remain while the unloading mechanism can be optimized for transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloading means is designed to nest inside the tank when not in use, utilizing the existing volume of the tank to house the unloading mechanism. This nesting approach allows the unloading means to be included without significantly increasing the external dimensions or weight of the overall device, as it occupies space that would otherwise be unused.
3Ease of operation
If the unloading means is deployed outside the structure, then the unloading height is increased and concrete can be delivered at head height, but the device becomes more complex and harder to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading means is designed to be movable between a retracted position inside the tank and a deployed position outside the tank. This dynamic configuration allows the unloading means to adjust its position based on operational needs, enabling higher unloading heights and increased concrete capacity when deployed, while maintaining a compact and simple structure when retracted.
4Quantity of substance
If the silo device is designed with fixed dimensions for transport, then it can be handled by standard equipment, but the concrete capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The silo device is divided into a permanent structure and a movable unloading means. The permanent structure provides the main concrete capacity and is transported as-is, while the unloading means is a separate, lightweight component that can be attached or detached. This segmentation allows the heavy concrete capacity to remain while the unloading mechanism can be optimized for transport.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a container (2) for containing dry concrete, and unloading units (3) for unloading the container. A receiving structure (4) is placed on a ground, and internally receives the container and a part of the unloading units. A hinge type mounting unit (5) mounts the unloading units movably with respect to the receiving structure between a retracted position inside the receiving structure and a deployed position partly outside the structure. The unloading units are provided with a mixing unit (31) installed at an outlet of a conveying unit (30) for mixing the concrete with water.