Hopper Structure with Movable Lower Section for Maintenance Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hopper structures for containing and treating large quantities of synthetic granular materials do not provide easy access for maintenance and cleaning, as the size and weight of the upper section make manual opening and closing impractical, and permanent connections hinder the overturning of the upper section, leading to long operation downtime.
Innovation Solution
A hopper structure with a removably connectable upper tubular section and guide means that allow the lower tapered section to move between a closed and open position, facilitated by support frameworks and guide mechanisms, enabling easy access and automatic movement for maintenance and cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the upper tubular section is made large and heavy to increase hopper capacity, then the storage capacity is improved, but manual opening and closing becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is divided into two separate sections: a fixed upper tubular section and a movable lower tapered section. This segmentation allows the upper section to remain large for high capacity while the lower section can be easily moved for access, resolving the contradiction between hopper capacity and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent connections are made to feed ducts and pipelines, then the hopper structure is stabilized, but overturning of the upper section is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the upper and lower sections is made dynamic rather than permanent. The lower tapered section can be moved relative to the upper section, allowing the structure to transition from a stable closed state to an open state for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and operational flexibility.
3Strength
If the lower tapered section is made fixed for structural stability, then the hopper structure is strengthened, but quick access for maintenance is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hopper into fixed and movable parts, the fixed upper section maintains structural strength while the movable lower section enables quick access for maintenance, thereby reducing operation downtime without compromising overall structural integrity.
4Ease of operation
If guide means and support frameworks are added to enable movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide means and support frameworks are added only at specific locations where movement is needed, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention regards a hopper structure for containing and treating loose material, which includes a tubular section, upper in use, a lower tapered section equipped with a suitable discharge mouth, a support device for at least the upper tubular section, and a guide device designed to allow the lower section to move between a closed position against the upper section and an open position removed from the upper section.