Modular Conveyor System in Shipping Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current overland conveyor systems face challenges such as high construction costs and time consumption due to manual assembly, exposure to harsh weather conditions, noise pollution, and high operational costs due to power consumption, especially in remote locations where electrical mains are not readily available.

Innovation Solution

A modular conveyor system housed within a shipping container that can be easily transported and assembled, featuring a conveyor frame that can be connected in various configurations to span terrain and water, with integrated services like power, communication, and insulation, and adjustable mounting options for flexible installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conveyors are constructed on site using manual assembly, then local customization and adaptability are improved, but construction time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal customizationVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system is divided into modular container units that can be manufactured independently and then assembled on-site. Each container houses complete conveyor components, allowing parallel manufacturing and reducing on-site construction time while maintaining adaptability through configurable module arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Conveyor components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned within containers during manufacturing phase. This preliminary assembly eliminates time-consuming on-site construction activities while preserving local customization capabilities through configurable module selections and arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If conveyors are constructed on site with manual assembly, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but labor costs and construction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized container modules that simplify terrain adaptation. Each container is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining terrain adaptability through modular configurations and adjustable mounting options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized container modules serve multiple functions: housing conveyor components, providing structural support, and enabling easy reconfiguration. This universality reduces assembly complexity while maintaining terrain adaptability through versatile module arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If conveyors are open to air for access, then maintenance access is improved, but exposure to weather elements causes deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidweather exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Container walls provide weather protection for enclosed conveyor components, while designated access panels and openings maintain maintenance accessibility. This local differentiation allows the structure to simultaneously protect against weather elements and facilitate repair operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Conveyor components are nested within protective container enclosures. This nesting provides weather protection while maintaining access through strategically positioned openings and service corridors that allow maintenance personnel to reach components without compromising overall enclosure integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If generators are used for power in remote locations, then power independence is improved, but operational cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower independenceVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system incorporates self-contained power systems within each module, enabling independent operation in remote locations without requiring external electrical infrastructure or fuel-intensive generators. This self-service approach reduces operational costs and environmental impact while maintaining power independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3580154B1A modular conveyance system

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 CONVEYOR MFR AUSTRALIA

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AI summary

A conveyance system (10) including: a conveyor having a frame (22) connectable to a drive unit; and a shipping container (12) having a base (16), a top wall (14), two opposing side walls (18) and two opposing end walls (20), wherein the conveyor is fixed within the shipping container (12) in an assembled state.