Integral Pivot King Pin for Radial Stacker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radial stackers face challenges in efficiently storing and accessing the king pin and pivot pad due to space constraints and the weight of these components, which complicates their quick replacement and transportation.
Innovation Solution
An integral pivot/king pin apparatus is developed, featuring a rotatable design with a hydraulic system and lock pin for remote operation, allowing the pivot pad and king pin to be easily switched between positions for engagement with a tractor fifth wheel or placement on the ground, facilitated by a jack for height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the king pin and pivot pad are stored separately in the rear of the stacker, then they are accessible for quick replacement, but space is wasted and manual handling remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the king pin and pivot pad into a single integrated assembly that rotates within a common housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage locations and manual handling of two separate heavy components, while maintaining quick accessibility through rotational positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The single housing structure serves multiple functions: it stores both the king pin and pivot pad, provides rotational mechanism for switching between them, and includes mounting features for both components. This multi-functionality resolves the space waste issue while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Loss of time
If the king pin and pivot pad are kept close to the mounting location, then quick replacement is enabled, but space under the hopper is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both components into one compact rotating assembly positioned at the mounting location, the patent eliminates the need for separate storage spaces. The integrated design maintains immediate accessibility for quick replacement while occupying minimal space under the hopper compared to storing two separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mechanism allows the assembly to dynamically switch between king pin and pivot pad positions without requiring additional space. This dynamic positioning enables quick replacement by simply rotating to the desired component rather than manually retrieving from separate storage locations.
3Device complexity
If manual handling of heavy king pin and pivot pad is used, then simplicity is maintained, but difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both heavy components into a single rotating assembly, eliminating the need to manually handle two separate heavy items. The operator only needs to rotate the assembly and position it, significantly reducing handling difficulty while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating housing acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the transfer between king pin and pivot pad positions without requiring direct manual manipulation of the heavy components themselves. This mediator reduces the physical effort and time required for component replacement.
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
This solution enables efficient and quick switching between operational positions, reducing manual handling and optimizing space usage, enhancing the mobility and operational efficiency of radial stackers.
Implementation Method 1
an integral king pin/pivot pad apparatus, rotatable about a rotation point and including a hydraulic system for moving the apparatus between operational positions
Implementation Method 2
a lock pin for securing the apparatus in a specific position
Implementation Method 3
facilitated by a jack for height adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radial stacker for stockpiling bulk material is provided that includes a stacker frame, a linear conveyor mounted to the frame, the conveyor having a rear portion and a front portion and being designed to carry bulk material from a lower position adjacent the rear portion to a raised position adjacent the front portion, and a pair of wheels mounted to the frame to facilitate movement of the stacker around a work site or to another work site. Also provided is a pivot pad/king pin apparatus mounted to the stacker including an integral king pin and pivot pad that may be displaced from a first position with the king pin facing downward for engagement with a tractor fifth wheel to a second position with the pivot pad facing downward for placement on the ground for radial conveying operations. Another way to describe the depicted embodiments is a pivot pad/king pin apparatus that may be used with a radial stacker. The apparatus may include a body with a king pin and pivot pad integrally mounted into it. The apparatus may be rotatable between a first position with the king pin facing downward for engagement with a tractor fifth wheel to a second position with the pivot pad facing downward for placement on the ground for radial conveying operations.