Pivotable Discharge Conveyors for Multi-Deck Screening Co-Piling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-deck screening apparatuses face challenges in efficiently configuring and directing oversize fractions for optimal crushing and piling, particularly in varying production needs and material conditions, where existing systems lack flexibility in conveyor direction and material flow management.

Innovation Solution

A mobile multi-deck screening apparatus with pivotably mounted discharge conveyors that can operate in multiple directions, including a second direction differing by 90 degrees from the first, allowing for co-piling of oversize fractions and enhanced material flow control, along with a splitting arrangement and adjustable chutes for directing material streams, enabling flexible configuration and efficient material handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If discharge conveyors are fixed in a single direction, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different production needs and material flow configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different production needsVSAvoidconveyor direction control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge conveyors are made pivotable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically change direction between a first direction (parallel to longitudinal axis) and a second direction (perpendicular to longitudinal axis). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different production configurations without requiring multiple fixed conveyor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same discharge conveyor structure serves multiple functions by being capable of operating in at least two different directions. The conveyor can discharge material to different piles or processing areas depending on the production needs, eliminating the need for separate dedicated conveyors for each direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discharge conveyors operate in fixed directions, then material flow paths are predetermined, but flexibility in directing oversize fractions to different piles or processing areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in directing material flowVSAvoidpivoting equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting equipment enables each discharge conveyor to dynamically adjust its operating direction. The conveyor can be rotated between a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the screening apparatus and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, allowing flexible routing of material flows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows asymmetric configuration where conveyors can be positioned at different angles and directions based on specific production requirements. The pivoting mechanism enables asymmetric material flow patterns rather than being constrained to symmetric fixed paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If conveyors are positioned to discharge to separate piles, then material streams are well-separated, but the ability to combine fractions for co-piling is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveco-piling capabilityVSAvoidsteering control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering control system enables dynamic adjustment of conveyor directions to achieve either separate discharge or co-piling configurations. By coordinating the pivot angles of multiple conveyors, the system can direct different oversize fractions to the same pile location, enabling co-piling when production conditions require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same discharge conveyor system serves dual purposes: it can discharge material streams to separate locations for independent processing, or it can direct multiple streams to a common pile location for combined processing. This multi-functionality is achieved through the pivoting capability that allows flexible routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4076774B1Mobile multi-deck screening apparatus pile control
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY
  • EP4076774B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4076774B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4076774B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A mobile multi-deck screening apparatus (120) receives (805) material for screening with a feeder of the apparatus (120). A first screen deck receives and screens (810) material from the feed. A second screen deck receives (820) an undersize fraction of the first screen deck. First and second discharge conveyors output (815, 825) oversize fractions of the first and second screen decks. The first and second discharge conveyors pivot (830, 835) to operate in directions selected between a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is forward. The second direction differs from the first direction. One or both of the first and second discharge conveyors (130, 140) is/are pivotable from one side to an opposite side of the apparatus. Oversize fraction material of the first screen deck and oversize fraction material of the second screen deck are selectively (845) discharged in a common pile.