Modular Chute System Panel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chute systems in mining and aggregate industries are cumbersome to service due to their heavy, unitary construction and require full section replacement for repairs, exposing workers to safety hazards and causing prolonged downtime.
Innovation Solution
A modular chute system composed of interconnected rigid structural panels with flush butt joint connections, allowing for safe and convenient access from various locations without removing entire sections, enabling individual panel replacement and reducing confined space entry risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional unitary chute construction is used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but serviceability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chute system is divided into multiple detachable sections, each section being further divided into panels that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows workers to access and repair specific damaged areas without replacing entire chute sections, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and improving serviceability.
2Reliability
If full section replacement is performed for repairs, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the chute into detachable sections with removable panels, the system enables targeted repairs of only the damaged components. This eliminates the need to replace entire sections, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining reliability through prompt repair of affected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows extraction of specific damaged panels from the chute system for repair or replacement, while the remainder of the chute continues to operate. This selective extraction approach minimizes disruption and reduces the time the system remains non-operational.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional chute servicing methods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but worker safety and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with detachable panels allows workers to service the chute from external locations without entering confined spaces. This maintains structural integrity while dramatically improving worker safety by eliminating exposure to confined space entry hazards, engulfment risks, and falling hazards associated with traditional servicing methods.
4Ease of operation
If entire chute sections are removed for servicing, then access to interior is improved, but device complexity and material usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is segmented into modular sections with detachable panels, allowing workers to remove only the specific panel needing service rather than entire sections. This reduces the complexity of removal operations and minimizes the number of components that need to be handled and reassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual panels can be extracted from the chute system for repair or replacement without removing adjacent panels or sections. This selective extraction simplifies the servicing process by limiting the scope of disassembly to only the necessary component, reducing overall device complexity during maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular chute system for providing safe convenient access to an inside cavity of the chute system from a variety of locations to enhance safer serviceability features a chute channel formed from a plurality of chute sections. Each chute section is formed from a plurality of rigid structural panels. An edge flange is disposed on each panel edge encompassing an entire panel outer periphery, and the edge flange of one panel is connected to the edge flange of another structural panel. Upon removal of a structural panel or set of adjacent structural panels, the chute channel is self-supporting and non-collapsing. Chute serviceability, such as replacement of interior liners or panels, can be accomplished by removing panels and replacing liners without entering the chute cavity.