Mobile Light Material Separator with Caterpillar Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light material separators are cumbersome to handle and transport due to their stationary design, requiring additional machinery for movement and being unsuitable for use on uneven surfaces or remote locations.

Innovation Solution

A mobile light material separator with a self-propelled chassis equipped with caterpillar arrangements and an autonomous energy supply, allowing for independent operation and simplified handling, including the ability to drive itself and operate without external power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stationary design is used for light material separator, then the structure is simple and stable, but the handling and transport become cumbersome requiring additional machinery

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandlingVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary light material separator into a mobile unit with a chassis equipped with caterpillar arrangements. This allows the device to move from a fixed position to a dynamic, relocatable system, directly improving ease of operation and handling while enabling deployment in various locations including remote areas and uneven terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through an autonomous energy supply system with onboard fuel tank and engine that powers both the caterpillar drive and the fractionation process. This eliminates the need for external power sources or additional machinery during operation, making the device self-sufficient and further improving ease of operation in remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a stationary design is used for light material separator, then the structural stability is maintained, but the transport requires additional machinery and is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransportVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary light material separator into a mobile unit with a chassis equipped with caterpillar arrangements. This allows the device to move from a fixed position to a dynamic, relocatable system, directly improving ease of operation and handling while enabling deployment in various locations including remote areas and uneven terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through an autonomous energy supply system with onboard fuel tank and engine that powers both the caterpillar drive and the fractionation process. This eliminates the need for external power sources or additional machinery during operation, making the device self-sufficient and further improving ease of operation in remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the light material separator is made mobile with chassis and drive unit, then the ease of transport and repositioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverepositioningVSAvoiddevice
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple functions into a single unified system: the chassis provides both transport capability and operational platform, the autonomous energy supply powers both movement and fractionation processes, and the caterpillar arrangements serve both as drive mechanism and as adaptation to uneven terrain. This consolidation improves ease of repositioning while managing device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing components that serve multiple functions: the chassis and caterpillar arrangements enable both transport and stable operation on uneven terrain, the autonomous energy supply system provides power for both movement and fractionation processes, and the integrated design allows the same structure to function in various locations including remote areas and challenging terrains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If autonomous energy supply is integrated, then the self-sufficiency and ease of operation in remote areas is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-sufficiencyVSAvoiddevice
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through an autonomous energy supply system with onboard fuel tank and engine that powers both the caterpillar drive and the fractionation process. This eliminates the need for external power sources or additional machinery during operation, making the device self-sufficient and further improving ease of operation in remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple functions into a single unified system: the chassis provides both transport capability and operational platform, the autonomous energy supply powers both movement and fractionation processes, and the caterpillar arrangements serve both as drive mechanism and as adaptation to uneven terrain. This consolidation improves ease of repositioning while managing device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables easy transport and repositioning without additional aids, improved handling, and self-sufficient operation, especially in challenging terrains and remote areas, with enhanced fractionation capabilities through the integration of an air classifier.

Implementation Method 1

To fractionate a mixture of substances, it is placed in a washing trough filled with water. Relatively heavier components of the mixture sink to the bottom of the water, while comparatively lighter components, known as lighter materials, float to the surface.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFloat-sink classification: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3943194B1Lightweight material separator for fractionation of a mixture of substances
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 MOERSCHEN MOBILE AUFBEREITUNG GMBH
  • EP3943194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3943194B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3943194B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a lightweight material separator for fractionating a mixture of materials by means of float-sink classification, comprising a water-fillable washing trough (2) which has an inlet opening (3) for feeding with a mixture of materials to be fractionated, a screw conveyor (4) rotatably arranged within the washing trough (2) which serves to feed sinking material (6) to a discharge opening (5) provided by the washing trough (2), and a brush belt (8) oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent (7) of the screw conveyor (4) which serves to feed floating material (13) to a discharge chute (11, 12) cooperating with the brush belt (8), characterized by a separate chassis (14).