Hopper With Flexible Connection Wall For Rapid Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile mineral material processing plants require efficient and quick assembly of feed hoppers with minimal manual labor, as existing foldable hoppers with removable or hinged wall portions are time-consuming to assemble and disassemble.

Innovation Solution

A hopper design featuring hinged side walls with a flexible connection wall made of a rubber member and support members, such as chains or cables, that fold together automatically when the side walls pivot, eliminating the need for manual assembly and allowing for efficient transformation between operating and transport positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If foldable feed hoppers with removable or hinged wall portions are used, then the processing plant can be transported, but manual assembly steps are required which are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection wall is designed as a dynamic structure that can automatically change its configuration between operating and transport positions. The flexible member allows the connection wall to adapt its shape without manual intervention, enabling quick transformation while maintaining structural integrity during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection wall with flexible member performs self-assembly and self-adjustment during the pivoting operation. When the hinged side walls are pivoted, the flexible member automatically adjusts the connection wall's position and shape, eliminating the need for manual assembly steps and reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual assembly steps are required for foldable hoppers, then structural integrity can be maintained, but labor-intensive operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical assembly operations are replaced by a automated pivoting mechanism. The connection wall with flexible member is designed to respond automatically to the pivoting motion of side walls, substituting manual assembly operations with an automated mechanical system that maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection wall's physical parameters (position, shape, configuration) change automatically in response to the pivoting operation. The flexible member allows the connection wall to transform its geometric parameters dynamically, enabling easy operation while maintaining structural integrity through controlled parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If hinged side walls are pivoted inwards for transport, then space is saved, but the connection wall must be disassembled or adjusted manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport volumeVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection wall is designed as a dynamic structure that automatically adapts its configuration during the pivoting operation. As hinged side walls pivot inwards to reduce transport volume, the flexible member enables the connection wall to dynamically adjust its shape and position, eliminating manual adjustment steps and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible member allows the connection wall to fold or nest along with the hinged side walls during the pivoting operation. This nesting behavior enables compact packaging in transport position without requiring separate disassembly operations, reducing both transport volume and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 safe operation of the processing plant, reducing assembly time, saving space during transport, and ensuring efficient capacity utilization without manual handling, thus facilitating quicker transitions between operational and transport states.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible member may comprise rubber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10464070B2Hopper and a mineral material processing plant

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY

AI summary

A hopper and a mineral material processing plant. The hopper includes hinged side walls configured to be pivoted into a first position and a second position and a connection wall attached between the hinged side walls. The connection wall includes a flexible member and is configured to fold together in response to the hinged side walls being pivoted from the first position to the second position.