Mobile Bridge Conveyor System for Continuous Material Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional material handling systems require shutdowns and significant costs when moving stackers, bridge conveyors, and grasshopper conveyors, disrupting continuous material throughput during stacking operations.
Innovation Solution
A material handling system comprising a stacker, a mobile bridge conveyor, and portable conveyors with track assemblies and moveable feet, allowing for continuous operation without the need for inclined cross conveyors, enabling the stacker and conveyors to move without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional conveyor systems use fixed bridge conveyors and grasshopper conveyors for material handling, then material can be transported and stacked, but the system must shut down to move these components, causing loss of time and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by converting fixed bridge conveyors and grasshopper conveyors into mobile units with wheels. The bridge conveyor can roll along tracks to move between positions, and grasshopper conveyors can be independently positioned and removed without shutting down the system. This dynamic capability allows continuous material handling while enabling repositioning of components during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conveyor system into independent modular units: mobile bridge conveyors, portable grasshopper conveyors, and stackers. Each unit can operate independently and be repositioned separately. The bridge conveyor is divided into sections that can be independently moved, and grasshopper conveyors are individual portable units that can be added or removed without affecting the entire system's operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses fixed infrastructure for conveyor positioning, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to repositioning components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by equipping bridge conveyors and grasshopper conveyors with wheel assemblies that enable movement along designated tracks. The bridge conveyor includes axles and wheels that allow it to roll from one position to another, while grasshopper conveyors have similar mobile characteristics. This dynamic design provides repositioning capability without requiring complete system dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality through standardized track systems and modular connector designs. The same track infrastructure supports both bridge conveyors and grasshopper conveyors, and standardized coupling mechanisms allow different conveyor types to be connected and disconnected easily. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while enabling flexible reconfiguration.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional systems require shutdowns for component movement, then operational simplicity is maintained, but economic costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling component repositioning during ongoing material handling operations. The mobile bridge conveyor can roll to new positions while the stacker continues stacking material, and portable grasshopper conveyors can be repositioned without interrupting the conveyor chain. This eliminates shutdowns and maintains continuous productive operation throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through pre-positioned wheel assemblies and track infrastructure. The mobile components are equipped with wheels and guidance systems before operation begins, allowing immediate movement without requiring setup or reconfiguration during operation. The track system is pre-installed to guide component movement, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for material handling includes a first portable conveyor for feeding material to a mobile bridge conveyor for the material to be stacked via a stacker until a discharge end of the mobile bridge conveyor is at or within a predetermined distance of a discharge end of the first portable conveyor. The first portable conveyor moves away from the mobile bridge conveyor after the discharge end of mobile bridge conveyor is at or within the predetermined distance of the discharge end of the first portable conveyor. A second portable conveyor that feeds material to the first portable conveyor rotates such that a discharge end of the second portable conveyor is moved towards the mobile bridge conveyor until reaching a feeding position for feeding material to the mobile bridge.