Pivotable Hopper Assembly for Mud Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disposing of materials evacuated by suction evacuators, such as mud recycling equipment and shakers, are inadequate for handling heavy rocks and concrete, and existing equipment is not designed to efficiently process the combined soil, rocks, and water, leading to damage and inefficient disposal processes.
Innovation Solution
A novel assembly comprising a support base, a pivotable hopper connected to a shaker, and an actuator system that allows the hopper to pivot and tilt, enabling the contents to be emptied onto a vibrating screen for separation of liquids and solids, with a fluid container and exit chute designed to manage large objects and facilitate efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mud recycling equipment is used to process evacuated materials, then liquid separation can be achieved, but the equipment becomes damaged by heavy rocks and concrete pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processing function into two distinct components: a hopper that receives and contains heavy debris, and a shaker that performs liquid separation. The hopper acts as a protective barrier that prevents heavy rocks and concrete pieces from directly contacting the shaker, while still allowing the shaker to process the mixture. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the function of handling heavy debris from the function of liquid separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper serves as an intermediary element between the suction evacuator and the shaker. It receives the evacuated materials including heavy debris, and selectively allows the mixture to pass to the shaker while protecting the shaker from direct contact with damaging heavy objects. This intermediary structure enables the shaker to perform its separation function without being exposed to harmful heavy debris.
2Productivity
If traditional shakers are used, then material processing can occur, but their size, shape, and geometry do not work well with suction evacuator vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is designed with pivotable and tiltable capabilities, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic design enables the hopper to accommodate different suction evacuator vehicle configurations and facilitate efficient material transfer, resolving the contradiction between maintaining processing capability and adapting to different vehicle geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changes in geometric parameters of the hopper through pivoting and tilting mechanisms. By adjusting the hopper's angular position and orientation, the system can adapt to match the size, shape, and geometry requirements of different suction evacuator vehicles while maintaining its material processing function.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotable hopper with actuator is used, then efficient emptying onto shaker is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaker employs vibrational motion to facilitate the emptying of materials from the hopper. This vibration mechanism helps move materials efficiently onto the shaker screen without requiring complex actuator systems, as the vibration naturally promotes material flow and prevents sticking, thereby maintaining ease of operation while controlling device complexity.
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 assembly effectively processes and separates liquids and solids from suction evacuator contents, preventing damage to equipment and enabling efficient disposal of materials, including heavy rocks and concrete, by using a vibrating screen and mechanical actuation to manage the flow of materials.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator attached to the support base that applies a mechanical force to the hopper to cause the hopper to pivot and tilt, enabling the contents to be emptied onto a vibrating screen
Implementation Method 2
a shaker disposed adjacent to the support base... enabling the contents to be emptied onto a vibrating screen for separation of liquids and solids
Data Source
AI summary
A combined hopper and shaker assembly which can be used at least in processing excavation or other remains. The assembly features a hopper that can be pivoted (through operation of a hoist/sling) to cause the contents of the hopper to be fed via gravity through an exit chute onto the shaker. The hopper includes splash guards or sidewalls on the portions thereof that are proximate the pivot axis and an internal shape along the exit chute so as to guide the contents of the hopper toward the exit chute.