Grain Gate Swing Arm Pin Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grain handling systems, such as rack and pinion gates, lack the ability to securely and efficiently control the delivery rate of dry bulk materials through gates with predetermined opening sizes, requiring improvements for precise control and secure fixing of gate openings.
Innovation Solution
A grain gate system with a swing arm pin locking mechanism, utilizing a shaft with a predetermined pin orifice, a pin, and a pin locking mechanism, allows for precise control and secure fixing of gate openings at various levels by rotating the shaft to vary the gate opening size and locking it in place using a pin and swing arm configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rack and pinion gate system is used for controlling material flow, then the gate can be operated remotely and extensively in various locations, but the gate opening size cannot be securely fixed at predetermined intermediate levels
Solution Approach 1:
The gate opening position is segmented into discrete predetermined levels, each secured by a locking mechanism. The swing arm is divided into multiple positions with corresponding holes that align with pins to lock the rack at specific intervals, enabling stable fixed positions while maintaining remote operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured with pins and swing arms positioned to engage with the rack at predetermined levels before operation. When the rack reaches a desired position, the pin automatically aligns with and engages the swing arm hole, securing the gate opening without requiring additional manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gate opening size is made variable to control delivery rates, then flexibility in material flow control is improved, but the time required to set and secure the opening size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking positions are pre-established along the swing arm at predetermined intervals corresponding to different gate opening sizes. The pin is pre-positioned to automatically engage with one of these pre-established holes when the rack reaches the corresponding position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and securing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through self-alignment. As the rack moves to a desired position, the pin naturally aligns with the corresponding hole in the swing arm and engages without requiring external action, allowing the system to self-secure at the predetermined opening level.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure gate positions, then the reliability of fixed opening sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing rack and pinion structure. The swing arm utilizes the same rotational movement as the pinion gear, and the pin integrates with the rack assembly. This combination allows the locking function to be achieved without adding entirely separate mechanical systems, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm serves multiple functions: it acts as both a position indicator and a locking element. The same rotational component that indicates gate opening level also provides the holes for pin engagement, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for precisely controlling a slide gate to provide certain and secure location of a sliding gate in a path of flowable dry bulk material, the mechanism including a rack and pinon gear with a shaft with a diameter hole therethrough for receiving a pin therethrough when the sliding gate is in a desired position. The swing arm is configured to inhibit removal of the pin and thereby prevent unwanted movement of the gate from the desired position. The swing arm is configured for selectively prohibiting accidental and/or intentional but unauthorized removal of the pin depending upon types of objects being placed through the open hole in the swing arm and the first fixed arm open hole.