Self-locking Charging Hopper with Deflection Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging units for material processing apparatuses require two powerful and expensive actuators to manage the rotational and linear movements of side and rear walls, necessitating precise synchronization of movement sequences, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator is used for each wall, with a deflection member converting its movement into both rotational and translational movements, eliminating the need for synchronized actuator sequences and enhancing reliability and safety, while a self-locking mechanism ensures the walls remain connected even if an actuator malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two actuators are used to manage rotational and linear movements of walls, then the charging hopper can be adjusted between transport and working positions, but the system complexity and cost increase due to required synchronization control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators (one for rotational movement, one for linear movement) into a single actuator that performs both functions. The deflection member converts the single actuator's linear movement into both rotational movement of the wall about a pivot axis and linear movement along a guide, eliminating the need for synchronized control of multiple actuators while maintaining full adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates both rotational movement (through the deflection member's conversion) and linear movement (directly along the guide). This multi-functional actuator replaces the specialized rotational actuator and linear actuator, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility in positioning the charging hopper walls.
2Reliability
If two powerful actuators are used to bear the weight of walls during movement, then reliable positioning is achieved, but the cost and component requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two powerful actuators into a single actuator system that uses mechanical advantage through the deflection member. The deflection member converts small linear movements into both rotational and linear movements, allowing a single, less powerful actuator to control the heavy walls reliably without requiring two high-power actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the single actuator and the wall. It transforms the actuator's linear output into both rotational and linear movements of the wall, providing mechanical advantage and enabling reliable positioning with reduced actuator power requirements compared to directly moving the heavy wall with multiple actuators.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise synchronization of actuator movements is implemented, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for synchronized control by merging the control of rotational and linear movements into a single actuator. The deflection member's mechanical geometry inherently coordinates the rotational and linear movements, removing the need for a complex controller that monitors and synchronizes multiple actuators while maintaining precise positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection member provides self-coordinating movement through its mechanical design. As the single actuator moves, the deflection member automatically converts this movement into the appropriate rotational and linear movements of the wall without requiring external control signals or synchronization logic, achieving precise positioning through passive mechanical coordination.
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 configuration reduces component and cost requirements, increases system reliability, and maintains the walls in their working position without the risk of accidental collapse, ensuring secure operation and efficient material processing.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection member is provided which converts the movement of the first actuator during a portion of the movement thereof into a rotational movement of the rear wall and, during a further portion, into a translational movement of the rear wall
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a charging unit of a material processing apparatus having a charging hopper, the side walls (22) and rear walls (23) of which can be folded over between a working and a transport position by means of actuators (40, 50). A deflection element is provided, which converts the movement of an actuator during a portion of a movement thereof into a rotational movement of the rear wall or of the side wall and, during a further portion, into a translational movement. As a result of the rotational movement, the rear and side wall can be pivoted between the working and transport position, while by means of the translational movement, the rear and side wall can be connected to each other by means of an appropriate closure (60). By means of the deflection element, a simple, self-securing, and economical structure of the charging hopper is made possible.