Rotational Molded Hopper with Integrated Forklift Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial bins and supports are inadequate for storing and dispensing solid materials, as they require an aggressive slope and lack a secure connection, and provide insufficient stability when transported by forklift.
Innovation Solution
A rotationally molded industrial hopper with upright and sloping sidewalls, supported by vertically oriented legs and tubular members, which allows for efficient material flow and secure forklift transport without additional fasteners, while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a base extending between legs is used to support the bin, then the bin can be supported on a horizontal surface, but the bin cannot achieve an aggressive slope required for solid material flow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supporting the bin from below on a base, the invention inverts the approach by having the bin carry itself through its own sidewalls engaging with the support legs. The bin's upright sidewalls extend downward to engage the support legs directly, allowing the aggressive slope needed for material flow while maintaining structural support.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple support structure is used, then manufacturing is economical, but the connection between support and bin is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the bin and support into a unitary structure through rotational molding, creating an integral connection that is both secure and economical. The support legs are molded as part of the bin structure, eliminating separate connection components while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with the bin and support formed as integrated components through rotational molding. This manufacturing process creates a unified structure combining the bin walls and support legs into a single piece, providing both security and cost-effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional support with base is used, then forklift access is provided, but stability during forklift transport is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds vertical dimension to the support structure by extending upright legs upward to engage the bin sidewalls. This vertical engagement creates a three-dimensional connection that prevents lateral movement during forklift transport, enhancing stability while maintaining forklift access through the base.
4Reliability
If additional fasteners are used to secure the bin to support, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for additional fasteners by merging the bin and support into a single rotationally molded unit. The integrated structure provides inherent connection security through the molded engagement between bin sidewalls and support legs, reducing component complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial hopper and support system includes a hopper having a plurality of receivers complementally configured to receive the top ends of legs of a support. The hopper is particularly designed to receive and discharge both solid and liquid material by the mounting of a selected valve, and the receivers include recesses therein which inhibit the spread of the legs and provide a structural connection between the legs of the support when the hopper is mounted thereon. The hopper may be mounted to the legs without the use of tools, but a separate fastener may be used when it is desired to lift both the hopper and its support from above. The support is provided with openings through primary tubular members which align with crossmembers so that forks inserted into the openings pass longitudinally through the crossmembers.