Pivotable Bulk Bag Conditioner Frame for Actuator Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk bag discharge systems face challenges with conditioning materials like salt that harden in wet or humid environments, causing unbalanced loads and premature failure of linear actuators due to bending moments.
Innovation Solution
A bulk bag discharge assembly with a main frame and bag conditioning assembly featuring pivotably coupled conditioner frames and powered cylinders that minimize bending moments by applying forces along the axis, with hydraulic cylinders providing a significant force to condition the contents effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If linear actuators are fixedly mounted at both ends to condition bulk bag contents, then conditioning force can be applied, but bending moments cause damage and premature failure of the actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed mounting of linear actuators into a dynamic pivoting mounting system. The conditioner frame pivots about an axis, allowing the actuator to maintain force application while accommodating the uneven surfaces and variations in bulk bag geometry, thereby eliminating bending moments and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new degree of freedom by allowing the conditioner frame to pivot in addition to the linear motion of the actuator. This dimensional change from purely linear motion to combined pivoting and linear motion enables the system to adapt to bag surface variations without creating bending moments on the actuator
2Reliability
If swinging arms pivot about an axis to condition the bag, then bending moments on actuators are reduced, but improved conditioning of bulk bags hanging within the discharge assembly is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the conditioner frame to perform multiple functions: it pivots to accommodate geometric variations, applies conditioning force through the powered cylinder, and can be positioned to condition bulk bags at various stages including when hanging within the discharge assembly. This multi-functionality maintains reliability while improving ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If conditioner frames are extended into the bulk bag receiving region with upward direction travel, then forces are applied in a controlled upward direction, but device complexity increases with pivotable couplings and powered cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivoting function and linear extension function into a single integrated conditioner frame assembly. The powered cylinder both extends the frame and works in conjunction with the pivotable coupling to achieve controlled upward force application, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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
The solution enables efficient conditioning of bulk bags with reduced risk of actuator damage, allowing for effective discharge of hardened materials by minimizing bending moments and ensuring the forces are applied in a controlled, upward direction, thus preventing damage to the bag and its suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
a powered cylinder, such as a hydraulic cylinder, that is pivotably coupled to the main frame assembly at a first end, and to the first conditioner frame at a second end
Implementation Method 2
The proximal end is pivotably coupled to the main frame assembly, with the distal end extending therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A bulk bag discharge and hoist assembly comprising a main frame assembly, a hoist assembly and a bag conditioning assembly. The main frame assembly includes a bulk bag receiving region. The bag conditioning assembly having a first conditioner frame and a powered cylinder. The powered cylinder is structurally configured to extend the first conditioner frame from outside of the bulk bag receiving region into the bulk bag receiving region, whereupon entry into the bulk bag receiving region, the distal end of the first conditioner frame is directed at least partially in an upward direction.