Foldable Conveyor Skirting with Dynamic Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable conveyors for aggregate materials face issues with skirting damage during folding and require manual removal and installation, which is time-consuming and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A foldable conveyor design featuring deformable or flexible skirting supported by movable skirting supports, which automatically adjust between deployed and non-deployed states using actuating means such as linkages and resilient biasing, allowing the skirting to be tensioned or detensioned to accommodate conveyor position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual removal and installation of skirting is used, then skirting can be protected from damage during folding, but it is time-consuming and requires suitable tools and storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The skirting is designed to be movable between deployed and non-deployed states through dynamic coupling with the conveyor sections. The skirting automatically follows the conveyor's folding and unfolding motion, eliminating the need for manual removal and installation while protecting the skirting from damage during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirting system performs its own deployment and retraction automatically through the coupling mechanism with the conveyor sections. The skirting self-adjusts to the conveyor's position without requiring external manual intervention, tools, or storage space, thereby resolving the time loss associated with manual operations.
2Reliability
If manual fitting and removal of skirting is performed, then skirting can be protected from damage, but it exposes the user to danger due to close proximity to the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic coupling mechanism allows the skirting to automatically follow the conveyor's folding and unfolding motion. This eliminates the need for users to manually handle the skirting near the machine, thereby removing the safety hazard while maintaining skirting protection through the automated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirting system performs its own deployment and retraction automatically through the coupling mechanism with the conveyor sections. This self-service operation eliminates the need for user proximity to the machine during skirting handling, thereby removing the safety risk associated with manual fitting and removal.
3Ease of operation
If skirting is left in place during folding, then no manual intervention is needed, but the skirting can be damaged by the folding action
Solution Approach 1:
The skirting is dynamically coupled to the conveyor sections, allowing it to automatically follow the folding and unfolding motion. This dynamic relationship enables the skirting to be protected from damage during folding while maintaining automatic operation, as the skirting naturally retracts and deploys with the conveyor sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirting's physical state changes from a deployed position to a retracted position automatically through the coupling mechanism. This parameter change in position allows the skirting to be protected from folding damage while maintaining automatic operation, as the skirting naturally adjusts its state with the conveyor sections.
4Reliability
If skirting is removed manually before folding, then skirting damage is prevented, but suitable tools and storage space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic coupling mechanism automatically handles the skirting's deployment and retraction without requiring external tools or storage space. The skirting is integrated with the conveyor sections, allowing it to be protected from damage during folding while eliminating the complexity of tool requirements and storage needs associated with manual removal.
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 prevents skirting damage during folding, eliminates the need for manual removal and installation, and enhances safety by automating the skirting's position changes with the conveyor, reducing operational time and risk.
Implementation Method 1
when the skirting is in its deployed state said flexible line holds said skirting in tension
Implementation Method 2
resilient biasing means configured to urge the or each skirting support to adopt its deployed state
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
A conveyor comprises a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section that is foldable with respect to the first conveyor section. Skirting is movable into and out of a deployed state in which it extends along the second conveyor section. A skirting support is coupled to the skirting and is movable into and out of a deployed state in which it holds the skirting in the deployed state. Actuating means is provided for moving the skirting support. The skirting is deformable or foldable so that it does not have to be removed or fitted when the conveyor is folded or deployed, and is less susceptible to damage.