Interchangeable Conveyor Modules for Street Sweepers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Street sweeping vehicles are typically configured to accommodate only one type of conveyor assembly, limiting their versatility and requiring costly reconfiguration to switch between different conveyor technologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable conveyor modules, including belt and squeegee types, which can be easily mounted and swapped on a street sweeping vehicle, utilizing a common support structure and multiple mounting locations to accommodate different broom positions and conveyor types, allowing for dual or multiple functionality with a single vehicle investment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a street sweeping vehicle is configured to accommodate only one specific type of conveyor, then the vehicle structure can be simplified and manufactured more easily, but the vehicle lacks versatility and requires costly reconfiguration to switch between different conveyor technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of conveyors (belt-type and squeegee-type) through standardized attachment points and common support structures. This allows a single vehicle to perform multiple functions by simply changing the conveyor module, eliminating the need for different vehicles for different conveyor types
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is designed with interchangeable conveyor modules, then versatility is improved, but the mounting structure and support systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into separate, interchangeable modules (belt-type conveyor module and squeegee-type conveyor module) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto the vehicle. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while sharing common mounting interfaces, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes
3Ease of operation
If multiple conveyor types are supported with common mounting locations, then the vehicle can switch between conveyor types seamlessly, but the support structure requires more mounting points and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mounting locations and support mechanisms are consolidated into a single integrated support structure that provides common attachment points for both belt-type and squeegee-type conveyors. This merging of functions into a unified structure reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate support systems for each conveyor type
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to street sweepers and interchangeable conveyor modules for use with street sweepers that are interchangeable. A first conveyor module is provided that is mountable to the conveyor support structure of the vehicle wherein the conveyor is configured to transport debris from the broom assembly to the hopper on a continuous belt having paddles. A second conveyor module is also provided that is mountable to the vehicle structure wherein the second conveyor is a squeegee type conveyor. The first conveyor module and the second conveyor module are interchangeable on the street sweeping vehicle. Because the size envelope and attachment points and mechanisms are common, the two modules can be interchanged at will.