Movable Conveyor for Seeder Tank Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of seeder tanks and the use of belly-dump trailers have made it difficult to load tanks efficiently, as existing conveyor systems are either expensive or unsatisfactory in reaching the loading opening, and current solutions like auger tubes and hydraulic positioning systems have limitations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor apparatus with a movable feed duct and conveyor duct system, featuring a belt conveyor system, a guide track, and a ground-engaging wheel, allowing the hopper to be positioned under a supply vehicle for efficient loading, with a hydraulic drive motor and pivotally connected guide roller assemblies for precise movement and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional auger tube or hydraulic positioning system is used, then the conveyor can reach the loading opening, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The feed duct is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend and retract along the conveyor duct. This dynamic configuration enables the hopper to reach the loading opening only when needed, while maintaining simplicity during storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed conveyor duct and a movable feed duct with hopper. This segmentation allows the feed duct to be independently positioned along the conveyor duct using a simple guide track, avoiding the need for complex hydraulic positioning systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the feed duct is made movable to reach the loading opening, then the system becomes more versatile, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guide track is introduced as an intermediary element between the fixed conveyor duct and the movable feed duct. This simple tracking mechanism enables smooth, controlled movement of the feed duct along the conveyor duct without requiring complex actuators or positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The feed duct is equipped with its own drive motor, allowing it to move independently along the guide track. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external positioning mechanisms while maintaining versatility in reaching the loading opening
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a belt conveyor system is used instead of auger tube, then seed damage is minimized, but the ability to reach difficult loading positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feed duct is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend and retract along the conveyor duct. This dynamic configuration enables the hopper to reach the loading opening only when needed, while maintaining simplicity during storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
A guide track is introduced as an intermediary element between the fixed conveyor duct and the movable feed duct. This simple tracking mechanism enables smooth, controlled movement of the feed duct along the conveyor duct without requiring complex actuators or positioning systems
Data Source
AI summary
A container for example for a seeder includes a filling conveyor mounted on one with a bottom hopper and an upper filling spout with the conveyor being movable in a direction inwardly and outwardly relative to the side of the container to different positions relative to the container for cooperation with a supply. This is achieved by mounting the conveyor on a swivel coupling at the outer end of an arm which can be raised and lowered by pivotal movement about an inner end at the container. The hopper is supported on two pairs of ground wheels, each pair being arranged on a respective side of the hopper for supporting the respective side and each pair comprising a respective one of a pair of castor wheels mounted at respective ends of a pivotal beam extending along the respective side of the hopper and pivotal about an axis transverse to the hopper.