Gravity Transfer Device with Movable Lugs for Big Bag Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of bulk materials from large capacity containers, such as big bags, is difficult due to handling challenges, necessitating a method for rapid and easy emptying and transfer of contents to smaller containers or specific locations.
Innovation Solution
A gravity transfer device with a tubular body featuring a pointed perforator end and movable closure members, including elastically deformable lugs and a pivoting closure mechanism, allows for safe and controlled transfer of materials from big bags to smaller containers or storage areas, preventing overflow and allowing adjustable flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple tubular body is used for transfer, then the device is easy to manufacture and handle, but it cannot prevent accidental removal from the bag
Solution Approach 1:
The lugs are made movable between an inactive position (close to the body) and an active position (spaced from the body), allowing the device to adapt its configuration during insertion and operation. This dynamic positioning enables the lugs to engage with the bag interior and prevent accidental removal while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lugs utilize elastic deformability to change their spatial parameters relative to the body. By deforming elastically, the lugs can move between positions and maintain engagement with the bag, providing reliability without complex manufacturing
2Reliability
If the body is introduced deeply into the bag, then the transfer is more stable, but the device cannot be easily removed for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The movable lugs allow the device to dynamically adjust its engagement with the bag. During insertion, the lugs are in the inactive position allowing smooth introduction. During operation, they move to the active position to provide stability. The lugs can be deliberately actuated to remove the device for repositioning, combining stability with operational flexibility
3Productivity
If the passage is always open, then the transfer speed is maximized, but the receiver bag may overflow uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is made movable between closed and open positions of the passage, allowing dynamic control of the transfer process. The operator can open the passage for rapid transfer and close it to prevent overflow, combining high productivity with reliable control
4Reliability
If the lugs are fixed in the active position, then the device is securely retained in the bag, but the device cannot be easily repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The lugs are designed to be movable between inactive and active positions rather than fixed. This allows the device to achieve secure retention when needed while enabling easy repositioning by actuating the lugs to the inactive position, resolving the contradiction between retention and operability
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, safe, and efficient transfer of bulk materials from large bags to smaller containers or storage areas, reducing handling time and preventing accidental device removal from the bag, while allowing controlled emptying and flow management.
Implementation Method 1
the lugs are elastically deformable lugs equipped with return means in the spaced position of said body
Implementation Method 2
the closure member is a pivoting closure member mounted to pivot about an axis preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the passage
Implementation Method 3
the tip of the perforating end is generally conical in shape, which facilitates the piercing of the bag
Implementation Method 4
a gravity transfer device... allows rapid and easy gravity transfer of materials
Data Source
AI summary
Device (1) for transferring loads conditioned in a bag (20), comprising a tubular body (2) delimiting a longitudinal passage (5) through and having a perforating end (3) to allow perforation of said bag (20).The tubular body (2) is equipped with at least one passage closure element (4) mounted movable between a closed position and an open position of said passage (5) and is provided, on its external peripheral surface, in the area of the body (2) extending between the closure element (4) and the perforating end (3), with tabs (6) mounted at least partially movable between a close position of said body (2), and a distant position of said body (2), the area (15) of said body (2) that can be closed by said closure element (4) being disposed distant from the open end (14) of the body (2) opposite the perforating end (3) of said body (2) to delimit, between open end (14) and closure area (15), an area (7) for connecting said device (1).