Mobile Bulk Material Processing Hanging Assembly with Powered Couplings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile bulk material processing apparatuses require auxiliary powered equipment, such as lifting cranes, to adjust processing units between operative and transport positions, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A mobile bulk material processing apparatus with a hanging assembly that includes at least one processing unit, which can be quickly and conveniently attached and removed from the mobile machine using power operated actuators, eliminating the need for auxiliary lifting equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If auxiliary powered equipment such as lifting cranes is used to adjust processing units between operative and transport positions, then the processing units can be positioned accurately, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires additional equipment availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from external auxiliary equipment (cranes) and integrates it into the machine's own power system. The motor that drives the endless tracks or wheels is used to power the actuators that move the hanging assembly, eliminating the need for separate lifting cranes while maintaining positioning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor serving dual purposes - it provides both the drive for ground movement (endless tracks or wheels) and the power for positioning the hanging assembly between operative and transport positions. This multi-functionality reduces equipment requirements and speeds up operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If auxiliary powered equipment is used for positioning processing units, then positioning can be achieved, but the overall system complexity increases due to additional equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning function with the existing drive system. The same motor that propels the machine over ground is used to power the actuators for the hanging assembly, combining two functions into one system and reducing overall equipment complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine serves itself by using its own power system for positioning operations. The motor and control system that already exist for ground movement are utilized to operate the actuators, making the system self-sufficient without external auxiliary equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual intervention is required for connection and disconnection of the hanging assembly, then simpler mechanisms can be used, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and slower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidconnection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a powered actuation system. The motor-driven actuators automatically move the first and second couplings relative to each other to engage or disengage the hanging assembly, substituting human labor with automated mechanical action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power-operated actuators serve as intermediaries between the control system and the couplings. They translate motor power into the precise relative movement needed for coupling engagement, automating the connection process while maintaining control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 and automated connection and disconnection of the hanging assembly from the mainframe, reducing manual intervention and the need for auxiliary equipment, thereby enhancing mobility and efficiency in processing operations.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of power operated actuators acting on the first and/or second couplings and powered by a motor to move at least one of the first and second couplings relative to one another to provide powered engagement and disengagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12343731B2Mobile bulk material processing machine with demountable hanging assembly
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • US12343731B2 patent drawing
  • US12343731B2 patent drawing
  • US12343731B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile bulk material processing apparatus having at least one material processing unit that is mounted at a hanging assembly including a carrier frame suspended from a main frame of the apparatus. The hanging assembly is capable of being connected or disconnected from the mainframe of the machine via a semi-automated process using a plurality of powered actuators acting on first and/or second couplings.