Remote Locking Wedge for Feeder Hopper Wall Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mineral material processing devices face challenges in safely and easily mounting the feeder hopper from transport to working positions due to heavy and firm structures, which are prone to damage from impacts and vibrations, requiring manual and hazardous installation of locking wedges.

Innovation Solution

A locking system for the feeder hopper walls that can be operated remotely using a control system, featuring a movable locking wedge with an elastic component to absorb impacts and vibrations, eliminating the need for manual wedge installation and reducing structural stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of locking wedges is used to secure the feeder hopper, then the structure can be simple and cost-effective, but user safety is compromised and operation becomes dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking wedge is designed to automatically engage and lock the feeder hopper wall in the working position without requiring manual intervention. The wedge self-positions and secures the structure through its own weight and geometric configuration, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy locking components and thereby improving safety while maintaining mechanical simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking wedge is pre-positioned in a retracted position during transport, and automatically moves to the locking position when the feeder hopper is raised to the working position. This preliminary positioning arrangement ensures that the locking action occurs automatically as part of the positioning sequence, eliminating manual intervention and improving operational safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If the feeder hopper structure is made heavy and firm to resist impacts, then structural strength is improved, but the device becomes more difficult to transport and maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeder hopper strengthVSAvoidease of positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder hopper structure incorporates movable walls that can be dynamically positioned between a transport position (downward) and a working position (upward). This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt its form factor - compact for transport and expanded for operation - thereby maintaining ease of maneuvering while providing sufficient strength when in the working position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder hopper is divided into separate wall segments that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows each wall to be lighter and easier to maneuver, while the assembled structure provides the necessary strength and rigidity when all walls are locked in the working position through the locking wedge mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the feeder hopper walls are made to resist strong impacts from mineral materials, then durability is improved, but the structure becomes heavier and more prone to vibration damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeder hopper durabilityVSAvoidvibration and impact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking wedge mechanism incorporates vibration-dampening features and impact-absorbing elements that are built into the structure before operation. These cushioning elements are positioned to absorb and dissipate impact forces from mineral materials before they can damage the main structure, thereby improving durability while reducing the overall weight compared to fully reinforced structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder hopper structure utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - such as rigid materials for structural framework and vibration-dampening materials for impact surfaces. This composite approach provides the necessary durability and impact resistance while minimizing weight and reducing vibration transmission to the main structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 safe and efficient installation of feeder hopper walls without user risk, reduces structural fatigue, and minimizes vibrations, thereby enhancing the durability and safety of the processing device.

Implementation Method 1

said locking wedge (31) being provided with an elastic part (43) made for example of rubber, said part attenuating the impacts directed to the walls (21, 22, 23) of the feeder hopper that are caused by the feeding of the mineral material, such as rocks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7568858B2Feeder hopper, a method for locking the walls of a feeder hopper and a locking means

Publication Date: 2009.08.04 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY

AI summary

Feeder hopper for a movable mineral material processing device, whose walls are arranged to be turned upward to a working position, and which are locked into said working position. To lock the walls, there is at least one locking means in connection with them, said locking means containing at least a locking member and transfer means. According to the method the locking member is transferred to the locking position with the transfer means.