Pivotable Discharge Chute for Unthrottled Bulk Material Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport vehicles for bulk goods face challenges in unloading materials horizontally to stationary conveying equipment without throttling the discharge volume, as the additional discharge chute is rigid and can only be rotated, leading to restricted outlet gaps when close to the rail.

Innovation Solution

The additional chute is designed to pivot between a rest and use position using swivel arms mounted on the vehicle frame, allowing for adjustable ejection distances and avoiding throttling, with a pivot link for inclination adjustment and secure locking in the rest position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the additional discharge chute is made rigid and rotatable about a pivot axis, then the discharge direction can be adjusted, but the discharge opening becomes restricted when close to the rail, throttling the bulk material flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge direction adjustmentVSAvoiddischarge rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The additional discharge chute is transformed from a rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable component through the introduction of pivot arms with parallel pivot axes. This allows the chute to be positioned at different angles relative to the discharge device, enabling both close and distant discharge positions without restricting the discharge opening and maintaining high discharge rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If the additional discharge chute is positioned close to the rail for short discharge distance, then the discharge point is accessible, but the discharge opening is restricted and discharge rate is throttled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge distanceVSAvoiddischarge rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm mechanism enables the additional discharge chute to dynamically adjust its position between a retracted state (close to the rail) and an extended state (farther from the rail). The parallel pivot axes allow this movement without creating friction or binding that would restrict the discharge opening, thus maintaining high discharge rates at both positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If the additional discharge chute is made extendable to reach distant conveying equipment, then the discharge distance is increased, but the structure becomes more complex and requires additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge distanceVSAvoidchute mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of complex telescopic or articulated mechanisms, the invention uses simple pivot arms with parallel pivot axes to achieve extendable discharge distance. This dynamic mechanism allows the chute to pivot into position alongside the discharge device for long-distance discharge, keeping the structure relatively simple while achieving the required reach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the additional discharge chute is rigidly mounted to the vehicle frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but the discharge distance cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structureVSAvoiddischarge distance variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces rigid mounting with a dynamic pivot arm mechanism that connects the additional discharge chute to the vehicle frame. The parallel pivot axes provide stable support while enabling the chute to be positioned at different distances from the discharge device, thus achieving both structural stability and adaptable discharge distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3231683B1Transport vehicle for piece goods
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 WBN WAGGONBAU NIESKY
  • EP3231683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231683B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport vehicle for bulk materials, comprising a transport silo with at least one discharge device and an additional chute, as well as a vehicle frame supporting the transport silo. This transport silo is intended to enable an unimpeded discharge of the bulk material even at short discharge distances.This is achieved according to the invention by making the additional chute (3) pivotable between a rest position and a working position by means of at least one pivot arm (2), wherein the pivot arm (2) is mounted with a first end (8) pivotably about a first axis on the additional chute (3) and with a second end (9) opposite to this pivotally about a second axis parallel to this on the vehicle frame, wherein the additional chute (3) connects to the discharge device (1) of the transport silo in the working position and can be pivoted completely out of the discharge path of a bulk material flow exiting the discharge device (1) in the rest position.