Motorized Winding Bar Tarp Deployment for Mine Cars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for covering containers with tarps struggle to deploy correctly over domes, leading to poor protection and operator strain, and are often damaged during loading/unloading due to manual operation and exposure.
Innovation Solution
A device using inflatable deployment chambers and a motorized winding bar with a current sensor to control rotation speed, allowing the tarp to deploy smoothly over steep slopes and store compactly on the side of the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual deployment of tarpaulin is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator effort increases significantly and deployment reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment with a motorized winding bar system. The motor automatically winds the tarpaulin onto the rolling bar, eliminating the need for operators to manually pull and position the tarp. This substitution of mechanical manual labor with an automated motorized system directly reduces operator effort while maintaining deployment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tarpaulin deployment system performs self-service through the motorized winding mechanism that automatically winds the tarp onto the rolling bar without external intervention. The system uses its own motor power to complete the deployment task, reducing dependence on operator physical effort while ensuring consistent and reliable deployment.
2Reliability
If tarpaulin is placed above container close to loading opening, then coverage is improved, but accessibility for loading/unloading deteriorates and device is exposed to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the rolling bar with motor can move to different locations. During loading/unloading operations, the rolling bar can be positioned away from the opening to ensure accessibility. When tarpaulin deployment is required, the motor transports the tarp to the appropriate position. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt between coverage requirements and loading accessibility needs.
3Productivity
If pneumatic chambers are used for unwinding, then deployment speed increases, but control precision deteriorates causing tarp to unroll on itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic chamber system with a motorized winding mechanism. The motor provides controlled rotational motion to the rolling bar, enabling precise control over the tarpaulin unrolling process. This mechanical substitution allows the system to maintain high deployment speed through motor power while achieving superior control precision through the motor's regulated rotation, preventing the tarp from unrolling on itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system incorporates feedback control to monitor and adjust the winding/unwinding process. The motor can detect resistance changes and adjust its operation accordingly, ensuring the tarpaulin unrolls smoothly without forming loops or doubling back on itself. This feedback mechanism maintains both high speed and precise control throughout the deployment process.
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
Ensures effective deployment and storage of tarps, protecting both contents and equipment during loading/unloading, while minimizing operator effort and reducing damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
Devices are also known for the pneumatic unfolding of a tarpaulin rolled up on a surface, by means of air or fluid chambers, the progressive inflation of which causes the tarpaulin to unroll over the surface.
Implementation Method 2
The control means comprise a motor for driving the winding bar in rotation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for covering a container (1), in particular a mine car, comprising an opening (21) delimited by four lateral edges (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d), the device comprising a tarpaulin (2), one side of which is fixed to a first edge (23a) of the container (1) and a free side of which, which is parallel to the fixed side, is connected to a winding bar (6) on which the tarpaulin (2) is wound so as to form a tarpaulin roll (4), the device further comprising at least one inflatable deployment chamber (5) arranged in contact with the tarpaulin (2) in order to be wound around the winding bar (6) with the tarpaulin (2), the deployment chamber (5) being oriented perpendicularly to the winding bar (6) in order, during inflation, to unwind the tarpaulin (2) between a wound-up position in which the container (1) is open and an unwound position in which the container is closed by the tarpaulin (2) which then extends from the first edge (23a) to a second edge (23b) opposite the first edge (23a), characterized in that the device has means (7) for controlling the speed of rotation of the winding bar (6).