Segmented Rake Slope Clearing System Reducing Mechanical Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slope clearing systems face mechanical stress and high maintenance costs due to the need for large drive power to handle bulk materials with poor handling properties, leading to potential structural failure and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A slope clearing system with a displaceable bridge featuring two rakes with separately controllable drives, allowing for reduced reaction forces and mechanical stress by distributing drive power among multiple rakes, and a position determination system to control rake movements and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of activation elements (teeth on the rake) is increased to compensate for reduced unloading power per element, then the total unloading capacity is maintained, but the surface area of the rake and required drive power increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The single large rake is divided into multiple smaller rakes (first rake, second rake, third rake, fourth rake) that operate in parallel. Each rake handles a portion of the bulk material face, distributing the total drive power requirement across multiple independent drive units rather than concentrating it in one large rake.
2Productivity
If a large rake with high drive power is used to handle bulk materials with poor handling properties, then the unloading capacity is sufficient, but mechanical stresses in the rake structure and carriage increase leading to fatigue and structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The single large rake structure is segmented into multiple smaller rake structures, each with its own carriage and drive mechanism. This segmentation distributes mechanical stresses across multiple independent structural units, preventing the concentration of forces that leads to fatigue and failure in a single large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rakes are designed with independent carriages that can move dynamically along the bridge structure. This allows each rake to adapt its position and movement independently, distributing dynamic loads more effectively across the overall system rather than imposing all forces on a single rigid structure.
3Productivity
If the drive power is increased to handle compacted bulk material areas, then the unloading performance is maintained, but the mechanical stresses cause weld cracks and increase maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drive power is segmented into multiple independent drive units, each powering a separate rake. This allows the total power requirement to be met while distributing mechanical stresses, thereby reducing weld crack formation and maintenance needs compared to a single high-power drive system.
4Reliability
If adequately dimensioned structures are used to prevent structural failure under high forces, then reliability is improved, but the size and cost of components become economically unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing one large, adequately dimensioned rake structure that would be costly, the system uses multiple smaller rake structures that are individually more economical to manufacture. The segmented approach achieves equivalent or better reliability by distributing stresses while reducing the size and cost of individual components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a slope clearing system for removing bulk material from a bulk material pile, which slope clearing system has a movable bridge, wherein at least a first and a second rake are provided, which, for engagement with a cutting surface of the bulk material pile, are arranged next to each other and can be moved along the bridge, and each rake is equipped with a separately controllable rake drive for moving the rakes.