Mobile Conveyor Vehicle With Dust Control And Heat Radiating Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile conveyor systems for bulk granular materials face operational complexity, mechanical limitations, and pose health risks due to dust emission, particularly in remote locations like hydraulic fracturing sites.
Innovation Solution
A mobile conveyor vehicle with a steerable, powered drive system and a dust control apparatus featuring a telescopic conveyor system with flexible covers and a hydraulic fluid transmission system, which includes a hollow metallic member for heat radiation, to enhance operation efficiency and reduce dust emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mobile conveyor system is used to transport bulk granular material, then material delivery capability is improved, but operational complexity increases requiring more personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveyor system with a mobile platform (truck or trailer), merging material handling functionality with transportation capability into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate fixed conveyor installations and reduces the personnel required to operate and manage multiple discrete systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile conveyor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be transported to different locations, deployed for material handling, and potentially reconfigured for different applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment at each location and simplifies operational procedures.
2Productivity
If open conveyor systems are used for material transport, then material flow efficiency is improved, but dust emission increases creating health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible covers or enclosures made of thin film materials that can drape over the conveyor system. These flexible barriers contain dust particles while allowing the conveyor to maintain its material flow capabilities, and can be easily adjusted or removed as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance or mechanism (such as water spray systems, dust suppression agents, or enclosed channels with controlled atmosphere) between the granular material and the surrounding environment. This intermediary layer prevents dust particles from becoming airborne while not significantly impeding material flow.
3Productivity
If existing mobile conveyor systems are deployed, then material transport capability is improved, but mechanical design limitations reduce system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements into the mobile conveyor design, such as adjustable conveyor belt speeds, telescoping sections that can extend or retract, and flexible support structures. These dynamic features allow the system to adapt to varying load conditions and terrain requirements, improving both performance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials in the construction of the mobile conveyor system, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and resistance to wear and environmental degradation. This enhances the overall reliability and extends the service life of the system.
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
The solution simplifies operation, reduces personnel requirements, minimizes dust emission, and improves conveyor positioning and material handling efficiency while maintaining stability and safety, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hollow metallic member forming a structural element of the structural frame, the at least one hollow metallic member extending along a length of the conveyor section, wherein the hollow metallic member is operatively coupled to a source of hydraulic fluid and is configured to operate as a hydraulic fluid transmission line
Implementation Method 2
the hollow metallic member is configured to radiate excess heat from the hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Material handling solutions for a mobile conveyor vehicle are provided. In one aspect, a vehicle having an infeed and output conveyor is provided, one of the conveyors being mounted non-rotatably to the vehicle and positioned by rotation-in-place of the vehicle via four wheel steering. In another aspect, a dust control cover for a telescoping conveyor is provided, having a pair of flexible flaps which are parted by a plough-shaped chute which travels through a gap between the flaps and delivers material to the lower conveyor section. In another aspect, a hydraulic fluid transmission system for a mobile conveyor vehicle is provided which makes use of at least one hollow structural element to route the hydraulic fluid. The structural member may radiate heat from the fluid for example to melt snow on the vehicle structure.