Feeder Longitudinal Conveyor Hooking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for disassembling and reassembling the longitudinal conveyor on feeders used in road construction are time-consuming and cumbersome, as they require multiple locking pins and alignment processes, making transportation of these feeders inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where the longitudinal conveyor is attached to the feeder's chassis by lowering it and using a hooking mechanism, with additional securing elements to ensure a stable and releasable connection, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without screws, utilizing a coupling mechanism with projections and recesses for precise alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the longitudinal conveyor is securely attached to the feeder chassis using multiple locking pins and alignment processes, then the connection reliability is improved, but the disassembly and assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two independent functional segments: hook-like attachments for rapid connection and locking pins for security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the hooks enable quick attachment while the locking pins provide secure fixation, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-like attachments are pre-positioned on both the longitudinal conveyor and the chassis before the actual connection process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the conveyor is lowered, the hooks automatically engage with their corresponding mounting points, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mounting devices with multiple locking pins are used to secure the longitudinal conveyor, then the connection stability is improved, but the complexity of the assembly process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted from the locking mechanism and replaced by the pre-positioned hook-like attachments. This extraction simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining connection stability through the dedicated locking pins that secure the already-aligned components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex alignment mechanisms to position the conveyor and then locking it, the invention inverts the approach by using simple hook-like attachments that automatically engage at the correct position, followed by straightforward locking pin insertion. This reversal of the traditional sequence simplifies the overall process while maintaining stability.
3Productivity
If the longitudinal conveyor is designed for easy disassembly using simple attachment methods, then the assembly speed is improved, but the connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, complex multi-step process to a dynamic two-stage process: first the hooks rapidly establish connection (high speed phase), then the locking pins are inserted to secure the connection (stability phase). This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for speed when needed and for security when needed, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and connection security.
Data Source
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AI summary
Feeders have an elongated continuous conveyor (14) that serves as a distribution conveyor. The distribution conveyor is only required for certain applications. Therefore, it must be dismantled when not in use. Dismantling is also necessary for road transport of the feeder. With known feeders, the assembly and disassembly of the longitudinal conveyor (17) serving as a distribution conveyor is complex. The patent application proposes connecting the longitudinal conveyor (17) to a chassis (12) of the feeder by attaching or hooking it on. This can be achieved by simply lowering or raising the longitudinal conveyor (17) using a suitable lifting device, such as a crane. This eliminates time-consuming and difficult alignment work.