Modular Chute Rib Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chutes are cumbersome to assemble, disassemble, repair, and modify, and are often expensive due to their rigid construction, making them inefficient for transportation and installation, and they lack adaptability in size, slope, and rotational degree.
Innovation Solution
A modular chute design featuring a stanchion with rib connection points, rib assemblies with tie rods, and a lining system that allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and modification, with components such as ribs, lining sections, inner radius guards, and supports that can be readily adjusted and replaced, enabling adaptable size, slope, and rotational configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If chutes are constructed from metal components that are prefabricated by welding, then the chute can accommodate heavier articles, but the chute becomes heavy and expensive to install, remove, or modify
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled and disassembled without welding. Each segment contains standardized components (ribs, linings, connectors) that maintain structural strength while reducing overall weight and facilitating easy installation and modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection method from permanent welding to reversible mechanical fastening systems. This parameter change allows the chute to maintain its load-bearing capacity while significantly reducing weight and enabling easy reconfiguration.
2Strength
If metal chutes are prefabricated by welding components together, then the structure is strong, but repairs are expensive and time consuming requiring cutting or removal of components
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is segmented into modular sections with standardized connectors. When repair is needed, only the affected segment needs to be accessed and replaced, not the entire structure. This segmentation enables quick repairs without cutting or removing major components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows damaged segments to be easily removed and replaced with new or refurbished segments. Standardized connectors enable rapid replacement without permanent modifications, making the repair process similar to changing a module rather than reconstructing the entire chute.
3Manufacturing precision
If fiberglass and polymer chutes are created from molds, then the chute structure is consistent, but molds are expensive and cannot be readily adapted to accommodate desired changes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a complete chute from a single mold, the invention segments the chute into standardized modules that can be manufactured using simpler, less expensive molds. These modules can be assembled in various configurations to create different chute designs without requiring new molds.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connectors and standardized dimensions that allow the same basic modules to serve multiple functions and configurations. This universality provides adaptability without requiring custom molds for each variation.
4Strength
If the chute is constructed as a rigid structure, then the chute is strong, but the chute is difficult and expensive to ship to a desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into compact modular segments that can be easily packaged and shipped separately. These segments assemble into a strong rigid structure at the destination, combining the shipping efficiency of smaller components with the structural strength of a rigid chute.
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 modular design facilitates timely and cost-efficient assembly, disassembly, and repair, allowing for easy modification and adaptation to various sizes, slopes, and rotational degrees, enhancing the chute's functionality and efficiency in transporting articles.
Implementation Method 1
a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib
Implementation Method 2
a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies
Implementation Method 3
articles in the chute move from an upper location to a lower location by sliding down the chute via the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An improved modular chute comprising a stanchion comprising a plurality of rib connection points; a plurality of rib assemblies extending from the stanchion, each of the rib assemblies comprising at least a first rib, a second rib, and a tie rod connecting the first rib to the second rib; and a lining disposed within one or more of the rib assemblies, wherein the lining comprises a plurality of lining sections.