Modular Spiral Chute With Adjustable Entry Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic chute designs are oversized, difficult to handle and install, and limit entry points, requiring custom engineering and increasing costs and lead times due to fixed length stanchions and elaborate frame structures.
Innovation Solution
A modular spiral chute design with a center column assembly and adjustable chute sections that allow for varied entry locations, including side entry, and a method of construction that includes a base connector system for easy assembly and modification, reducing the need for custom engineering and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed length stanchion and elaborate frame structure are used, then the chute provides structural support, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each section includes its own support structure, allowing the chute to be constructed from standardized components rather than requiring a custom elaborate frame for each installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized support arm design serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling adjustable positioning, and facilitating easy assembly. This universal component can be used across different chute configurations, reducing the need for specialized frame structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom engineering is required to meet unique on-site needs, then the chute can be precisely adapted to site requirements, but the manufacturing cost and lead time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chute sections and support arms incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow on-site modification of the chute's configuration, length, and positioning. This dynamic adaptability enables the standardized chute to meet unique site requirements without requiring custom engineering and long lead times.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are pre-manufactured with standardized connection interfaces and adjustment mechanisms, allowing for rapid on-site assembly and configuration. This preliminary preparation of components enables quick adaptation to site-specific needs while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If all products must enter from the top of the assembly, then the chute structure can be simplified, but the versatility of entry locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular chute design incorporates standardized connection points and support structures that can accommodate entry chutes at multiple locations along the spiral. This universal design allows the same basic chute structure to serve multiple entry configurations without requiring complex modifications.
4Reliability
If parts are assembled in the factory as a single piece unit, then quality control is improved, but the unit becomes difficult to handle and ship
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is manufactured as multiple modular sections rather than a single large unit. Each section maintains sufficient quality control through standardized manufacturing processes while being small enough for easy handling and shipping. The sections are designed with standardized connection interfaces that ensure reliable assembly on-site.
Data Source
AI summary
A spiral chute having a center column assembly with a first center column segment is disclosed. The center column segment has a plurality of pairs of opposed apertures. The spiral chute also includes a plurality of chute assembly sections, each including a chute support arm, a chute section coupled to the chute support arm, an outer wall support coupled to a distal end of the chute support arms, an outer wall segment coupled to the outer wall supports, and a support arm bolt having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of each support arm bolt passes through a corresponding one of the first plurality of opposing apertures and engages a proximal end of the chute support arm such that the proximal end of the chute support arm abuts the first center column segment. A method of constructing a spiral chute is also disclosed.