Dog-Bone Coupler Cam Locking for Mine Conveyor Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing highwall mining systems face issues with push beam coupling mechanisms that are prone to damage, loss, and limited articulation, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased costs due to the use of removable pins and abutting vertical faces that do not allow for smooth movement under compressive loads.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally mounted 'dog-bone' style coupler with a retainer pin and cam mechanism that securely connects conveyor sections, allowing for controlled articulation and preventing binding, while remaining attached to one push beam throughout the operation, and non-linear projections on the conveyor sections for enhanced articulation without interfering with conveyor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable pins or like mechanisms are used to retain the dog-bone shaped couplers interconnecting the push beams, then the push beams can be connected and disconnected, but the couplers are susceptible to becoming damaged and the pins are easily lost or misplaced in harsh mining conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically locks the coupler in place through its own geometric shape and movement, eliminating the need for separate retainers or pins. The cam's lobed profile engages with the coupler receiver to provide automatic retention and positioning, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating parts that can be lost or damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of retention, positioning, and locking is merged into a single cam mechanism rather than using separate components like pins, retainers, and fasteners. This integration reduces the number of parts that can fail or be lost while maintaining the connectability function.
2Device complexity
If push beams are interconnected with abutting vertical faces such that relative articulation was not possible (or was only possible to a very limited extent), then the connection is simple and rigid, but the push beams may bind up and become stuck when the entry is uneven or undulating
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed to pivot about a horizontal axis, transforming the rigid vertical face connection into a dynamic articulating joint. This allows the connection to adapt to uneven entries and maintain smooth movement while preserving the simplicity of the vertical abutting face design.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation capability is added by introducing rotation about a horizontal axis, which is a different dimension of movement compared to the original vertical face abutting connection. This allows the push beams to articulate smoothly over uneven terrain while maintaining the simple vertical connection geometry.
3Device complexity
If the abutting ends of the push beams were generally square, then the connection is simple and straightforward, but articulation is prevented when under compressive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler's ability to pivot about a horizontal axis provides dynamic articulation capability that allows the square-ended push beams to articulate smoothly under compressive loading conditions, transforming a static rigid connection into an adaptable joint.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure, durable, and cost-effective coupling mechanism that minimizes damage and delays, enabling smooth movement and reducing the risk of binding during mining operations while maintaining compressive force, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of highwall mining systems.
Implementation Method 1
This receiver at least supports a cam for pivoting movement about a retainer pin. The cam has a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by the second end of the coupler to allow it to pass through whereby the cam recess engages the flared portion and becomes captured.
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint.