Rotatable Rail Car Unloading Hopper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail car unloading systems require costly and time-consuming construction of pits and conveyor systems, which are not easily transportable to different locations, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in unloading bulk materials.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable device with a base, vertical support member, wheels, and a conveyor system that can position a hopper under rail cars or bulk storage containers for unloading, allowing for rotation between an unloading position and a position parallel to the tracks to facilitate easy passage of rail cars, enabling efficient unloading and relocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a pit and conveyor system are constructed for rail car unloading, then material can be efficiently unloaded, but the construction cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading efficiencyVSAvoidconstruction cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The unloading system is divided into separate functional modules: a rotatable support member with hopper, a conveyor system, and a base structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall construction complexity and cost while maintaining unloading efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed to rotate between a first position for unloading material and a second position for passing rail cars. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for complex fixed pit structures and allows the system to adapt to different operational phases, reducing construction requirements while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a fixed pit and conveyor system is installed, then unloading can proceed continuously, but the system cannot be easily relocated to another location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous unloading capabilityVSAvoidrelocatability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support member rotates between unloading position and passing position, enabling continuous operation without fixed pit infrastructure. This dynamic design allows the entire system to be dismantled and relocated to different positions along the rail track, providing both continuous unloading capability and relocatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temporary support structures that can be dismantled and reused at different locations. The rotatable support member and conveyor components can be removed from one position and installed at another, eliminating the need for permanent pit construction and enabling easy relocation while maintaining operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If the hopper is positioned fixedly under the rail car, then unloading is efficient, but the rail car cannot pass by the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading efficiencyVSAvoidrail car passage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support member rotates between a first position where the hopper is positioned under the rail car for efficient unloading and a second position where the hopper is moved to allow the rail car to pass by. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by enabling both efficient unloading and rail car passage at different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic rotation of the support member between unloading position and passing position. During unloading operations, the hopper is positioned under the rail car; during rail car passage, the hopper rotates to the side. This periodic action allows the system to alternate between maximizing unloading efficiency and enabling rail car movement without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

The device allows for efficient unloading of bulk materials without the need for costly pit construction and enables easy relocation, as it can rotate to align with or parallel to rail tracks, minimizing interference with rail car movement and supporting the unloading process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the at least one vertical support leg and configured for engagement with the track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Material discharged from the discharge chute of the rail car falls between the tracks and onto a conveyor positioned in the pit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

The conveyor then carries the material out of the pit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8991585B2Rail car unloading device

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 MAST PRODIONS

AI summary

A rail car unloading device is provided comprising a base, a hopper, and a support member. The base comprises a support plate. The support member is rotatably mounted to the base support plate. The hopper is mounted to the support member and the support member is rotatable with respect to the base between a first position where the hopper is placed beneath a rail car in an unloading position and a second position where the hopper is positioned in substantially parallel alignment with rail tracks such that a rail car may pass by the device.