Detachable Partition Wall for Bulk Material Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing partitions used for separating bulk materials face challenges in efficiently emptying their inner cavities during transport, which complicates relocation and increases the risk of damage or operational disruptions.

Innovation Solution

The partition design features a detachable base plate connected to side walls via easily removable connections, allowing the cavity to be emptied and then reconnected for stable transport, with optional features like a cover plate for weather protection and adjustable thicknesses for self-supporting structures without internal struts, and forklift-compatible brackets for enhanced mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the partition cavity is filled with bulk material to ensure stability during operation, then the partition stability is improved, but the partition cannot be easily emptied for transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartition stabilityVSAvoidemptying operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is divided into separable components: a base plate and side walls that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the cavity to be easily emptied by removing the base plate, while maintaining stability during operation when assembled. The detachable connection enables the partition to transition between a stable enclosed state and an easily emptiable disassembled state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the partition is designed as a fixed structure for stability, then the structural integrity is improved, but the partition cannot be easily relocated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidrelocatability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The partition incorporates detachable connections between the base plate and side walls, transforming a traditionally fixed structure into a dynamic one. During operation, the connections are engaged to provide structural integrity. For relocation, the connections are detached to enable easy disassembly and reassembly at new locations, thus achieving both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the partition thickness is reduced to minimize material cost, then the manufacturing cost is improved, but the partition requires internal struts for support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial costVSAvoidinternal struts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the partition into a base plate and side walls with detachable connections, the design eliminates the need for internal struts. The detachable connection system provides the necessary structural support when assembled, allowing thinner, more cost-effective materials to be used without compromising strength. This segmentation approach replaces the need for internal reinforcement with an external connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1811105B1Use of a partition wall for bulk material
Publication Date: 2012.09.19 LUGER STEPHAN
  • EP1811105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1811105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1811105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A movable wall (1) has a baseplate (2), four sidewalls (3-6), and a top plate (7) defining a cavity (8) for a filling material (9) e.g. fine sand, water. The sidewalls are joined to the baseplate via e.g. bolt connections (10). The bolt connections used does not leave jutting out parts on the exterior of the wall. The height of the wall is more than 3.5 meters. The top plate is lockable with respect to the baseplate. An independent claim is also included for a roof member.