Helical Thread Conveyor for Granular Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing granular material transfer systems using internal threaded tubes often experience blockages at the junction of tubes with different inclinations due to material collision with tube walls and differences in angular velocity, leading to inefficiencies in intermodal transport.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a cargo box and automatic unloading mechanism, featuring a mechanical unloading system and independent hydraulic/electrical unit, utilizes a helical thread system with paddles to transfer material efficiently between horizontal and vertical tubes, mitigating blockages through orthogonal paddle arrangements and hydraulic motor-driven rotation, allowing remote control activation for seamless transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If threaded tubes are used to transfer granular material at angles between vertical and horizontal tubes, then material can be transferred from lower to higher parts, but blockages occur at the junction due to material collision with tube walls and differences in angular velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the material transfer function into multiple independent threaded tubes (vertical tube, horizontal tube, and intermediate tube) that operate separately. Each tube handles material flow independently, preventing blockages that would occur in a single continuous tube system at junction points.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate threaded tube is introduced as a mediator between the vertical and horizontal tubes. This intermediate tube receives material from the vertical tube and transfers it to the horizontal tube, acting as a buffer zone that prevents direct collision and blockages at the junction of tubes with different inclinations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal junctions are used to connect threaded tubes at different angles, then material can be transferred between vertical and horizontal tubes, but the system complexity increases and blockages still occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex universal junction to handle angle transitions, the system segments the transfer path into multiple simple threaded tubes with fixed angles. Each tube is straightforward in design, and the combination of segmented tubes achieves the adaptability needed for different transfer angles without requiring complex junction mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used for thread assembly movement, then operation simplicity is maintained, but automation and remote control capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automatic activation mechanism with remote control capability that allows the thread assembly to be controlled without direct manual intervention. The remote control system enables automated operation while maintaining ease of use, allowing operators to control the system from a distance or implement automated sequences.
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 system ensures efficient and rapid intermodal transport of granular materials by preventing blockages and reducing energy requirements, enabling automatic operation without operator intervention, thus enhancing the reliability and speed of material transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical tube (19) connected to a bearing (18), resting on a lower housing (17), containing a hydraulic motor (23) that rotates a vertical thread (29)
Implementation Method 2
a lower horizontal tube (15) containing a lower horizontal thread (27), driven by a hydraulic motor (16)
Implementation Method 3
The use of tubes with internal threads is known in the art and is an efficient means of detaching the granular material from a lower part to a higher part
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo unloading system is described. It provides more efficient intermodal transportation by transferring cargo such as granulates, brans, powders or solids placed inside a shipping container through tubes with internal threads to the next transport mode automatically and in a very short period of time. The system is made up of the cargo container, a mechanical unloading system with motors actuated to move screws and an independent hydraulic/electric unit. The system can be mounted on a road-vehicle, ship, aircraft or stationary base, and it may also be self-propelled.