Pivotable Feedstation Frame for Mobile Bulk Material Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The logistical challenge of shipping mobile bulk material processing apparatus across regions with varying weight and dimension regulations is complicated by the weight of the primary processing unit, which is difficult to detach efficiently due to the overlapping feed discharge chute and crushing chamber inlet, making it hard to reduce the overall weight for transport and access maintenance parts.

Innovation Solution

A mobile bulk material processing apparatus with a pivotable feedstation frame that can move in an arc from an operating to a non-operating position, allowing the primary processing unit to be vertically lifted away from the main frame, utilizing fluidic rams for actuation without additional motors, and enabling access to previously difficult-to-reach parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the primary processing unit is removed to reduce shipping weight, then the weight for transport is reduced, but the feed discharge chute and crushing chamber inlet overlap makes it difficult to detach the unit quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshipping weightVSAvoiddetachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The feedstation frame is made dynamically movable through pivotable connection to the main frame, allowing it to rotate between operating and non-operating positions. This dynamic configuration enables the feed discharge chute to be moved out of the way during detachment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operational overlap and enabling quick removal for weight reduction shipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The solution introduces a rotational dimension to the feedstation frame, allowing it to move from a horizontal operating position to an elevated non-operating position. This dimensional change creates vertical clearance that enables the primary processing unit to be detached and lifted away, addressing both the weight reduction goal and the detachment difficulty problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the feedstation is fixed in operating position, then bulk material feeding is efficient, but maintenance access to parts like jaw wedge bolts and rubber seals is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The feedstation frame's pivotable connection allows it to be dynamically repositioned from the horizontal operating position (optimized for feeding efficiency) to the elevated non-operating position (optimized for maintenance access). This dynamic reconfiguration enables easy access to previously difficult-to-reach parts while maintaining feeding efficiency during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional motors and articulation systems are added to enable feedstation movement, then positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidarticulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedstation frame is actuated using fluidic rams (hydraulic or pneumatic actuators) that provide the necessary force for pivoting between operating and non-operating positions. This pneumatic/hydraulic actuation system achieves positioning flexibility without the complexity of additional motors and mechanical articulation systems, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Facilitates efficient detachment of the primary processing unit for transportation and maintenance, reducing logistical issues and improving accessibility to critical components like jaw wedge bolts, rubber seals, and underscreen mesh.

Implementation Method 1

A pivoting articulation arrangement also allows the feedstation to be articulated using only a fluidic ram on each side of the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic or pneumatic actuation: Hydraulic Ram

Data Source

PatentEP4357024A1A mobile bulk material processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SANDVIK LTD
  • EP4357024A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4357024A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4357024A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A mobile bulk material processing apparatus (1) comprises a main frame (2) having a front part (3) and a rear part (4), a bulk material primary processing unit (5) detachably attached to the front part of the main frame and comprising a bulk material inlet (6), and a feedstation (15) to feed bulk material to the primary processing unit (5), the feedstation comprising a feedstation frame (16) connected to the rear part (4) of the main frame (2) and a bulk material feeder (17) connected to the feedstation frame, the bulk material feeder having a rearward feed end (18) to receive bulk material and a frontward discharge end (19) that overlaps the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5). A rearward end (25) of the feedstation frame (16) is pivotably connected to the main frame (2) for pivotable actuation of the feedstation frame in an arc from an operating position in which the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) overlaps the bulk material inlet (6) of the primary processing unit (5) to a non-operating position in which the discharge end (19) of the bulk material feeder (17) is disposed rearwardly of the bulk material inlet (6) to allow the primary processing unit to be vertically lifted away from the main frame.