Interchangeable Pneumatic Outlet Gate for Hopper Bottom Trailers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hopper bottom trailers with conventional gravity fed sliding gates lack the ability to efficiently convert for pneumatic discharge systems, limiting their versatility in handling different materials and discharge methods without altering the existing structure.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for interchangeable pneumatic outlet gates that can replace conventional gravity fed sliding gates, using the same hopper structure and mounting features, allowing for either gravity or pneumatic discharge operations by attaching pneumatic discharge hoses and controlling air flow, enabling flexible material handling based on specific delivery needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a hopper bottom trailer uses conventional gravity fed sliding gates, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the versatility to handle different materials and discharge methods is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper bottom trailer is designed with a universal mounting system that can accommodate both gravity fed sliding gates and pneumatic outlet gates using the same hopper structure and mounting features, enabling the trailer to perform multiple discharge functions without requiring different structural configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic conversion between gravity discharge and pneumatic discharge modes by interchangeably mounting different gate types on the same hopper structure, enabling the trailer to adapt its discharge method based on material characteristics and delivery requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hopper bottom trailer is converted to pneumatic discharge system, then the ability to handle fine particulate materials is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial handling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge system is segmented into interchangeable modular components - the gravity fed sliding gate assembly and the pneumatic outlet gate assembly - each optimized for specific material types, allowing selective installation based on material handling requirements while maintaining a common mounting infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common mounting system and hopper structure serve as an intermediary that facilitates the interchangeability between gravity fed and pneumatic discharge systems, allowing seamless transition between different discharge methods without requiring fundamental structural modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a hopper bottom trailer allows interchangeable gate conversion, then the productivity and asset utilization are maximized, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting features and support structures are pre-configured on the hopper bottom trailer to accommodate both gate types, allowing operators to quickly interchange gates without requiring complex installation procedures or specialized tools, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling flexible productivity optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables a hopper bottom trailer to efficiently handle various materials through either gravity or pneumatic discharge without altering its structure, maximizing productivity and asset utilization by allowing easy configuration between different discharge methods.

Implementation Method 1

Pneumatic discharge systems utilize pressure differential created by a blower to move material through a series of hoses and pipes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

granular bulk material that can be readily discharged by gravity through a hopper discharge opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10889429B2System and method for converting a commodity trailer with gravity discharge slide gates to be compatible with a pneumatic outlet gate and an interchangeable pneumatic gate therefor

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 WILSON TRAILER CO

AI summary

A system and method for enabling a commodity trailer having conventional gravity discharge slide gates to operate with a pneumatic discharge configuration on an as-needed basis is provided. A pneumatic discharge gate, which supports a pneumatic discharge assembly, is configured to directly replace the gravity fed hopper gate and to be retained on the same hopper structure that supported the slide gate so that the slide gate and the pneumatic discharge gate, and the uses thereof, are fully interchangeable.