Concrete Mixer Chute Storage Rack for Vertical Segment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete mixer vehicles face challenges in efficiently storing and managing chute segments, which can obstruct visibility and require complex reconfiguration for discharge operations.
Innovation Solution
A chute storage assembly is integrated into the vehicle design, featuring a chute storage rack with slots to vertically store chute segments, allowing for selective deployment and reconfiguration for discharge operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chute segments are stored on the vehicle, then chute management capability is improved, but visibility obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chute segments are stored vertically in the chute storage rack rather than horizontally or in random positions. This vertical arrangement utilizes the vertical dimension of the vehicle structure, allowing multiple chute segments to be stacked one above another. By changing the storage orientation from horizontal to vertical, the design accommodates more chute segments while minimizing lateral space occupation and reducing visibility obstruction for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute storage rack is positioned on the lateral side of the vehicle body, extracting the chute storage function from the central or rear areas of the vehicle. This lateral placement removes the obstructive element (chute storage) from the operator's direct line of sight and separates it from the main discharge operations area, allowing chute segments to be stored without blocking the operator's view of the discharge path.
2Area of stationary object
If chute segments are stored vertically, then space utilization is improved, but access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chute storage rack is divided into multiple individual storage slots, each capable of holding a separate chute segment. This segmentation allows each chute segment to be independently accessed, removed, or installed without requiring manipulation of other chute segments. The modular slot design maintains ease of access while enabling vertical stacking for improved space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute storage rack serves as an intermediary structure between the vehicle's chute discharge system and the stored chute segments. It provides a standardized interface with slots that match the chute segment geometry, facilitating easy insertion and removal. This intermediary design simplifies access by providing a dedicated, purpose-built storage mechanism that accommodates vertical arrangement without requiring complex handling procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete mixer vehicle includes a chassis having a front end and a rear end, a cab coupled to the front end of the chassis, a mixer drum assembly supported on the chassis, and a chute storage assembly. The chute storage assembly includes a first chute segment, a second chute segment, and a chute storage rack coupled to a lateral side of the cab. The chute storage rack includes a platform having a first slot configured to receive an end of the first chute segment to support the first chute segment in a storage position. The platform also has a second slot configured to receive an end of the second chute segment to support the second chute segment in the storage position. The first chute segment and the second chute segment are arranged vertically in the storage position.