Rigid Hopper Cover with Undulating Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreader device hopper covers are prone to ripping, water pooling, and difficulty in secure installation and removal, failing to effectively protect against rain and spillage.
Innovation Solution
A substantially rigid hopper cover system with undulations serving as both a handle and locking mechanism, sliding onto the hopper and engaging with side and rear ridges to securely lock into place, preventing water and debris ingress and spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic based covers are used, then the hopper opening can be covered, but the covers are prone to ripping and pooling of water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastic to rigid, transforming the cover from a flexible membrane to a structurally sound barrier that resists ripping and prevents water pooling through its inherent rigidity and defined geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates curvature into the rigid cover design, specifically through the undulating rear surface that follows the contour of the hopper, allowing the rigid structure to conform to the curved surface without compromising its rigidity or creating water pooling areas
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic based covers are used, then the hopper opening can be covered, but secure installation and removal is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the rigid cover's undulating rear surface automatically engages with the hopper's front ridge upon sliding installation, securing itself without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic engagement through the sliding mechanism, where the cover transitions from a loose position to a locked position through simple linear motion, making installation and removal quick and effortless
3Reliability
If a rigid hopper cover is used, then resistance to ripping and water pooling is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle function and locking mechanism into a single integrated undulating feature on the rear surface of the rigid cover, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional undulating rear surface that simultaneously serves as a structural element for rigidity, a conforming surface for aesthetic and functional integration with the hopper, a handle for easy manipulation, and a locking mechanism for secure installation
Data Source
AI summary
A hopper lid for a hopper having a top opening may include a top panel, side channels formed on sides of the hopper lid and configured to engage side ridges of the hopper for the hopper lid to slide over the top opening, a front stop formed on a front of the hopper lid and configured to engage a front ridge of the hopper to stop the hopper lid from further sliding rearward when the top panel fully covers the top opening, and an undulation formed on the hopper lid protruding vertically lower than the top panel and adjacent the front stop to, together with the front stop form a detent that, when the top panel fully covers the top opening, traps the front ridge of the hopper between the front stop and the undulation to resist slide of the hopper lid, effectively locking the hopper lid to the hopper.