Movable Hopper Bulk Material Dispensing System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bulk material dispensing systems face challenges in loading speed, measurement accuracy, access to silos, preventing spills into incorrect receiving areas, and traceability when transferring bulk materials from storage silos to transport vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system featuring movable hoppers with longitudinal and transverse movement mechanisms, controlled by a controller, which can align with bulk material chutes to receive material and then dispense it into designated receiving areas, incorporating weighing mechanisms for accurate quantity measurement and automated gate control for efficient and precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bulk material is dispensed from storage silos to transport vehicles using conventional systems, then material transfer is achieved, but loading speed is slow and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable hoppers that can dynamically reposition themselves along longitudinal and transverse guides to different locations beneath storage silos and transport vehicles. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different loading configurations and optimize material transfer paths, significantly improving loading speed and reducing overall loading time compared to static conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the bulk material handling function into multiple independent hoppers, each capable of operating autonomously. Multiple hoppers can simultaneously service different silos and different transport vehicle receptacles, enabling parallel operations that increase overall productivity and reduce total loading time
2Measurement precision
If conventional dispensing systems are used, then material transfer is achieved, but measurement accuracy of loaded bulk material quantity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates weighing mechanisms that provide real-time feedback on the quantity of bulk material being transferred. This feedback enables precise measurement and control of material quantities, allowing the system to accurately monitor and record the exact amount of material loaded into each transport vehicle receptacle, thereby significantly improving measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If access to storage silos is improved in conventional systems, then material access is enhanced, but risk of spills into incorrect receiving areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable hoppers serve as intermediary devices between storage silos and transport vehicle receptacles. Each hopper is equipped with controllable gates that regulate material flow, acting as a controlled intermediary that prevents uncontrolled spills. The systematic positioning and gate control mechanisms ensure material is directed only to the intended receiving area, reducing spill risk while maintaining ease of access to silos
4Loss of information
If conventional systems are used for bulk material handling, then basic dispensing is achieved, but traceability management is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from weighing mechanisms and positioning systems to automatically track and record material flow information. This automated feedback loop captures data about which hoppers service which silos and receptacles, creating a digital trail that enables effective traceability management without requiring complex manual tracking systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dispensing bulk material from storage is provided. The system comprises a plurality of stationary storage silos adapted to store the bulk material therein. A plurality of movable hoppers may be moveably positioned adjacent a bulk material chute of each storage silo to unload the bulk material therein. Once loaded with the bulk material, each movable hopper may then be positioned adjacent an input opening of a vehicle to unload the bulk material therein.