Modular Cement Silo Transfer for Mining Machine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cement silo structures for mining machines are difficult to charge and maintain due to their elevated position, requiring a separate working platform and manual lifting of cement sacks, which complicates the filling and replacement process.
Innovation Solution
A separate cassette/box-type cement silo that can be transferred between a use position on top of the mining machine and a filling position at a lower level, allowing for easy filling and replacement, with optional integration of a transfer screw coupled to the mining machine's control system and a feed screw mechanism for efficient cement transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cement silo is located on top of the mining machine to enable cement feeding to the mixer, then the cement feeding function is achieved, but the charging and maintenance becomes difficult and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cement silo is divided into a modular unit that can be separated from the mining machine. The silo becomes an independent interchangeable component that can be easily removed, charged, and reattached, resolving the contradiction between maintaining elevated position for feeding and enabling easy charging/maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cement silo is made movable between a use position (on top of the mining machine) and a filling position (at ground level). This dynamic repositioning allows the silo to be easily charged and maintained at ground level while still being able to feed cement from an elevated position during operation.
2Productivity
If the cement silo is located high on the mining machine to feed cement to the mixer, then the cement delivery function is achieved, but a separate working platform and manual lifting equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cement silo is segmented as a separate modular unit with its own support structure. This eliminates the need for a separate working platform and manual lifting equipment, as the silo can be independently positioned and handled as a complete unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer means serves multiple functions: it positions the silo during operation, enables easy charging at ground level, and facilitates silo replacement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate working platforms and lifting equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cement silo is made as a separate interchangeable unit to simplify charging, then the filling and replacement process becomes easier, but transfer mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer means is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that not only moves the silo between positions but also supports the silo during charging, enables quick attachment/detachment, and facilitates replacement. This consolidates multiple functions into a single mechanism, minimizing added complexity while achieving easy filling and 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
Simplifies the charging and maintenance of the cement silo by enabling easy filling and replacement without the need for a separate working platform, improving operational efficiency and safety by reducing manual labor and enhancing the overall usability of the cement feeding system.
Implementation Method 1
a feed apparatus for feeding cement from a lower end of the cement silo to the mixer
Implementation Method 2
the mining machine is provided with transfer means by which the cement silo may be moved between a use position on top of the mining machine and a filling position differing from the use position
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cement silo structure for a mining machine comprising a mixer (9), a cement silo (10) for cement and a feed apparatus (11) for feeding cement to the mixer (9). The cement silo (10) is a separate unit that may be transferred by means of transfer means between a use position on top of the mining machine and a filling position that differs from the use position.