Ramp Wall Actuation via Extracted Guide Rail Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers face challenges in connecting a motor arrangement to pivot a heavy ramp wall without interfering with container handling or operation, particularly when transitioning between vertical and inclined positions.
Innovation Solution
A piston and cylinder motor arrangement is connected between the guide rail ends and the ramp wall, with pivotal connections to guide rails and a tow hook assembly that can pivot between extended and retracted positions to facilitate loading and unloading, ensuring the ramp wall can be efficiently displaced between vertical and downwardly inclined positions without obstructing container operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motor arrangement is connected between the ramp wall and container side walls, then the ramp wall can be operated, but it interferes with container handling and component operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor arrangement is extracted from the traditional connection point between the ramp wall and container side walls, and repositioned to connect between the guide rail ends and the ramp wall. This extraction eliminates the interference with container handling and component operation while maintaining the ramp wall operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails serve as an intermediary element between the motor arrangement and the ramp wall. The motor connects to the guide rail ends rather than directly to the container side walls, using the guide rails as a mediator to transmit the driving force to the ramp wall without interfering with container handling operations.
2Productivity
If the motor arrangement is positioned to operate the ramp wall, then the ramp can be displaced, but it may obstruct container components operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor arrangement is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the container components. By connecting the motor between the guide rail ends (which extend beyond the container) and the ramp wall, the motor operates in a dimension that does not obstruct the horizontal movement of container components such as access doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separate functional elements: the guide rails extend beyond the container to provide mounting points, the motor is positioned separately from the container body, and the ramp wall is independently controlled. This segmentation allows each component to operate without obstructing others.
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
This solution allows for seamless operation of the ramp wall between vertical and inclined positions, enabling safe and efficient loading and unloading of bulk materials using a front-end loader, while preventing interference with container components, thus enhancing the durability and usability of the storage container.
Implementation Method 1
a piston and cylinder motor arrangement connected between the guide beam ends and the ramp wall for displacing the ramp wall
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container for bulk materials includes a rectangular bin containing a an open-ended chamber having a horizontal bottom wall, a pair of vertical side walls and a vertical rear wall, and a pair of parallel spaced centrally-arranged horizontal guide rails that extend longitudinally below the bin, which guide rails have forward end portions that extend outwardly beyond the bin front end. A ramp wall is pivotally connected with the forward end of the bin for displacement between a vertical first position closing the forward end of the chamber, and a downwardly inclined ramp position. A piston and cylinder motor arrangement is connected between the guide rail ends and the ramp wall for displacing the ramp wall between its vertical first and downwardly inclined second positions. The chamber side walls are spaced so that a front end loader can travel up the downwardly inclined ramp and into the chamber.