Storage Hopper Door Actuation via Linear Pneumatic System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage hopper door mechanisms require significant effort to open due to friction from heavy materials and adverse weather conditions, and existing solutions like rack and pinion or flexible belt systems are prone to wear and tear, while also potentially intruding into space below the hopper.
Innovation Solution
A transport assembly with a first door assembly slidably coupled via a ball bearing assembly, actuated by a linear actuator assembly and pump assembly, allowing controlled release of granular materials through multiple egresses, with selector valves for selecting actuator assemblies to manage door movement, and optionally powered by hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trap door mechanism is used to close the aperture, then the storage hopper can retain granular material, but an operator must exert great effort to open the door due to friction from heavy material weight
Solution Approach 1:
A linear actuator assembly serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the door assembly. The actuator converts rotational motion to linear motion, providing mechanical advantage to overcome the high friction forces generated by heavy granular materials on the door, thereby reducing the effort required by the operator to open the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator assembly utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic principles to generate sufficient force to move the heavy door assembly against friction. Pressurized fluid (pneumatic or hydraulic) drives the actuator to produce the necessary linear force, enabling easy operation even under adverse load conditions.
2Ease of operation
If rack and pinion mechanisms are used to provide mechanical advantage, then opening the door becomes easier, but the mechanism is exposed to wear and tear from material and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical transmission systems (rack and pinion) with a linear actuator assembly that uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles. This substitution eliminates gear teeth and mechanical linkages that are susceptible to material lodging and wear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If flexible belt mechanisms are used to reduce friction, then door operation becomes easier, but belts become stiff and stretch over time in cyclic weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flexible belt mechanisms with a linear actuator assembly using pneumatic or hydraulic principles. This eliminates belts that are subject to environmental degradation from cyclic weather conditions, improving reliability while maintaining ease of door operation through fluid-powered actuation.
4Ease of operation
If doors are set on an inclined plane to reduce friction, then opening becomes easier, but the door intrudes into the space below the hopper
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator assembly serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary force to move the door vertically without requiring the door itself to be inclined. This allows the door to move in a straight vertical path, eliminating space intrusion below the hopper while still overcoming friction through the mechanical advantage provided by the actuator.
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 reduces the effort required to open and close the door, maintains functionality in various weather conditions, and allows for different discharge rates without intruding into the space below the hopper, while being economical to manufacture and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The door assembly may be slidably coupled with the transport assembly
Implementation Method 2
The device may also include a pump assembly coupled with the linear actuator assembly. The pump assembly may be configured for actuating the linear actuator assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A transport assembly for transporting granular material may define at least a first egress for releasing a first portion of a granular material. The device may also include a door assembly slidably coupled with the transport assembly for at least substantially covering the first egress in a first position for retaining granular material and for at least substantially uncovering the first egress in a second position for controllably releasing the first portion of the granular material. The device may also include a linear actuator assembly coupled with the transport assembly and the door assembly for moving the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The device may also include a pump assembly coupled with the linear actuator assembly for actuating the linear actuator assembly to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position.