Hopper Wagon Equipment Envelope for Storage Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hopper wagons face challenges in optimizing storage capacity and discharging efficiency due to the external placement of control means, which can compromise the flow of bulk commodities and reduce storage volume.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an equipment envelope within the bulk commodities storage chamber to house control means and other components, allowing for improved placement and operation while maintaining or increasing storage capacity and ensuring efficient discharge through strategically inclined end walls and apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If control means are arranged externally to the storage chamber, then the construction is simpler and access is easier, but the storage capacity is reduced and the flow of bulk commodities is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control means are nested within the storage chamber by incorporating an equipment envelope that houses control components inside the bulk commodities storage chamber, eliminating the need for external arrangements and maximizing storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The control means are positioned in a different spatial dimension within the storage chamber, specifically in the vertical space above the bogie, rather than externally on the chamber surface, thereby preserving storage volume while accommodating control functions
2Volume of stationary object
If control means are arranged externally to the storage chamber, then the storage capacity is maintained, but the flow of bulk commodities is hindered and discharging efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment envelope is positioned locally above the bogie in a specific region of the storage chamber, allowing bulk commodities to flow freely in other areas while control functions are localized in the vertical space, thus maintaining storage capacity and improving discharging efficiency
3Ease of operation
If control means are positioned closer to the hopper wagon features being controlled, then the operation is improved and construction is simplified, but the storage capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control means are positioned in the vertical dimension above the bogie rather than externally on the chamber surface, allowing closer proximity to controlled features while preserving storage capacity by utilizing previously unused vertical space
4Volume of stationary object
If the equipment envelope is positioned above the bogie, then the storage capacity is optimized and discharge flow is improved, but the control means are farther from external access points
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment envelope incorporates access apertures that segment the housing structure, providing access points for control operations while maintaining the envelope's position above the bogie for optimal storage capacity and discharge flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an equipment envelope (10) for a hopper wagon. The equipment envelope comprises a housing (11) that is configured to define an enclosed cavity storage space (12) in a bulk commodities storage chamber of a hopper wagon body, in which hopper wagon control means and/or other component parts of the hopper wagon (30) can be housed for use. The equipment envelope may be configured to be arranged in the chamber such that it is located above a hopper wagon bogie (40), preferably adjacent a closable outlet. The equipment envelope may comprise a first end wall (111) that is configured to extend at a predetermined incline angle a towards the outlet. Depending on the configuration of the hopper wagon, the equipment housing may be configured to be located adjacent a further or alternative closable outlet. The equipment envelope may comprise a second end wall (112) that is configured to extend at a predetermined incline angle β towards the further outlet. The first end wall and second end may be configured to meet at an apex (14) such that the equipment envelope has a cross- sectional profile of a triangle, preferably a scalene triangle. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a hopper wagon comprising at least one equipment envelope.