Actuating Mechanism for Bulk Container Discharge Flap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating mechanisms for bulk material container unloading flaps are time-consuming due to the sequential operation of locking and actuating shafts, requiring separate manual unlocking and actuation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a third actuating element with concentric slot segment coupling to the first and second actuating elements, allowing time-decoupled movement for simultaneous operation of the locking and actuating shafts, and additional features like a blocking element and unlocking disk for enhanced security and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate manual unlocking and actuation of the locking shaft and actuating shaft are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the operation time is excessive and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening and closing speed of discharge flapVSAvoidoperation time for sequential shaft actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuation of the locking shaft and actuating shaft into a single integrated mechanism. The third actuating element simultaneously controls both shafts through mechanical coupling, allowing the operator to open or close the discharge flap with one continuous motion rather than performing separate unlocking and actuation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slot segment is pre-configured in the third actuating element to automatically sequence the actuation of the locking shaft and actuating shaft. As the operator rotates the third actuating element, the slot segment's geometry ensures that the locking shaft is unlocked first, followed by the actuating shaft, eliminating the need for manual coordination between separate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the locking shaft blocks the actuating shaft during operation, then security and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring separate unlocking steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking security of actuating shaftVSAvoidoperational simplicity of discharge flap control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking and actuation functions into a single integrated mechanism. The third actuating element simultaneously controls both the locking shaft and actuating shaft through mechanical coupling, allowing the operator to open or close the discharge flap with one continuous motion rather than performing separate unlocking and actuation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slot segment acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the operator's single rotational input and the two separate shafts. It automatically sequences the actuation, ensuring the locking shaft is unlocked first and the actuating shaft is activated second, providing both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the first actuating element is engaged throughout the entire rotation of the third actuating element, then the response is immediate, but the temporal decoupling needed for proper sequencing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed of actuating elementsVSAvoidtime for proper actuation sequencing

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement between the first driver and slot segment is dynamically controlled during rotation. The first actuating element is only engaged when the first driver reaches the end of the slot segment, creating a time-delayed response that ensures proper sequencing. This dynamic engagement/disengagement mechanism allows the system to maintain both speed and proper actuation timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3434551B1Actuating mechanism of a discharge flap of a bulk goods container

Publication Date: 2019.08.21 WBN WAGGONBAU NIESKY

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for a discharge flap of a bulk material container, comprising an actuating shaft (1) rotatably mounted about a first axis (A) with a first actuating element (2) fixed to its end face, and a locking shaft (3) rotatably mounted about a second axis (B) parallel to the first axis (A) with a second actuating element (4) fixed to its end face, wherein the locking shaft (3) is configured to block the rotation of the actuating shaft (1) by means of a pawl (5). This is intended to enable faster opening and closing of the discharge flap.According to the invention, this is achieved by the actuating mechanism having an additional third actuating element (6) which is rotatably mounted about the first axis (A) and has a first coupling with the first actuating element (2) and a second coupling with the second actuating element (4), wherein the first coupling is designed as a first driver (8) guided in a slot segment (7) concentric to the first axis (A).