Dump Truck Adapter for Liquid Transport Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural dump trucks are often underutilized for most of the year and lack a simple and efficient method to convert between transporting bulk goods and liquids, limiting their versatility and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that includes a liquid pump, a flexible liquid-tight container, and a frame that can be easily installed in place of the tailgate, allowing for quick conversion between transporting bulk goods and liquids, with features like a winding device for space-saving storage and a debris guard to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible container system is installed in the cargo space, then the vehicle can transport liquids, but the transport space for bulk goods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into two functional segments: a rigid cargo space for bulk goods and a flexible liquid container system. The flexible container can be installed or removed as needed, segmenting the cargo space only when liquid transport is required, thus maintaining bulk goods capacity when the container is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid container system is designed to be dynamically configurable - the flexible container can be installed, removed, and repositioned within the cargo space. This dynamic adaptability allows the vehicle to switch between bulk goods and liquid transport modes, optimizing cargo space utilization for each specific task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a liquid container system is added to the vehicle, then liquid transport capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system serves multiple functions: it can pump liquids into the flexible container, empty the container, and potentially perform other liquid handling tasks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining liquid transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible container instead of a rigid tank simplifies the overall system structure. The flexible material provides both the containment function and the sealing function, eliminating the need for complex rigid tank assemblies, mounting brackets, and associated fastening mechanisms, thus limiting complexity increase.
3Quantity of substance
If the vehicle is converted to liquid transport, then liquid carrying capacity is improved, but the conversion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container is designed to be pre-configured and can be quickly installed into the cargo space without requiring complex assembly steps. The pump system is pre-positioned and connected to the container, allowing for rapid conversion to liquid transport mode, thus limiting conversion time while maintaining liquid capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
This principle does not apply to the patent as there are no color change mechanisms or visual indicators described in the liquid container system or conversion process.
4Productivity
If the pump operates in reverse to empty the container, then emptying speed is improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed to extract liquid from the flexible container through a controlled outlet connection to an external receiving container. This extraction process separates the emptying function from the cargo space, preventing potential contamination of the vehicle interior while maintaining high emptying speed through the reverse pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An external receiving container serves as an intermediary between the flexible liquid container and the environment. When the pump operates in reverse to empty the container, liquid is transferred to this intermediary container rather than being discharged directly, which prevents contamination of the vehicle and allows for controlled disposal or transfer of the liquid.
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
Enables rapid conversion of dump trucks between bulk and liquid transport modes, maximizing vehicle utilization and reducing conversion time to under 2 hours, while maintaining the ability to transport bulk goods after liquid transport, without requiring complex mechanical systems or retrofits.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid pump (18) which is arranged on the adapter (10) and a flexible container (70) which is connected to an outlet (20) of the liquid pump (18) for receiving pumped liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter (10) for converting a vehicle for transporting bulk goods into a transporter for liquids, as well as a dump truck for transporting liquids. The object of the invention is to provide accessories for a vehicle, in particular a dump truck, to enable its conversion into a vehicle for transporting liquids in a simple and quick manner. This object is achieved by an adapter (10) with fastening means (50) for attaching the adapter (10) in the area of a rear opening (48) of the vehicle, a liquid pump (18) arranged on the adapter (10), and an outlet (20) of the liquid pump (18), wherein the outlet (20) can be connected to a flexible container for receiving the pumped liquid.