Self-locking Folding Hopper with Automatic Side Wall Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding hoppers for bulk material processing apparatuses require manual high-level pinning, posing safety risks and necessitating external support structures, which are hazardous and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A folding hopper design with self-locking side walls that utilize a locking mechanism involving a first locking means with a wedge and a second locking means made of a more elastic material, allowing for automated or semi-automated movement and locking without external supports, ensuring safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual high-level pinning is used to lock side walls, then the side walls can be secured in the raised position, but safety risks increase and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the side walls in the raised position without requiring manual high-level pinning. The first locking means on the side wall engages with the second locking means on the support frame automatically when the side wall is raised, eliminating the need for personnel to manually insert wedges or pins at high levels.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking assembly comprising first and second locking means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the side wall and the support frame. This locking assembly mediates the connection, providing automatic engagement that secures the side wall without direct manual intervention at high levels.
2Reliability
If external support arms are added to hold side walls, then locking reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the existing hopper structure by integrating the locking assembly with the side wall and support frame. The first locking means is provided on the side wall itself, and the second locking means is mounted on the support frame, combining the support and locking functions into a unified system without requiring separate external support arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame serves multiple functions: it supports the hopper structure and also provides the second locking means for securing the side walls. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external support structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If manual pinning operations are performed at high levels, then side walls can be locked, but personnel safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs its function automatically without requiring personnel to work at high levels. The first locking means on the side wall and the second locking means on the support frame engage automatically when the side wall is raised, eliminating the hazardous manual pinning operation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for direct human intervention at high levels. By providing automatic engagement between the first and second locking means, the system mediates the locking function in a way that removes personnel from hazardous positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If side walls are made foldable for transport, then transportability improves, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The side walls are designed to be dynamically positionable, allowing them to be folded down for transport and automatically locked in the raised position for operation. The locking mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, enabling the same structure to serve different functions (transport and operation) while maintaining stability in the operational position through automatic locking.
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 design enables safe, quick, and easy setup of the hopper, reducing manual intervention and external support needs, while providing stability and compactness by allowing the side walls to lock in the raised position without manual engagement, thus preventing mechanical damage from material loads.
Implementation Method 1
the second locking means comprises a material which has a higher degree of elasticity than the material of the first locking means
Data Source
AI summary
A folding feeder hopper includes a locking assembly and side walls, which are configured to lock themselves when unfolded or deployed for operation. The locking assembly has a first locking device provided on the side wall and configured to engage with a second locking device provided on a support assembly. The second locking device includes an elastic element and retaining members on front and rear ends of the hopper for providing alignment to the side walls when they move between locked and unlocked positions. A method for locking the side walls in a deployed position is also provided.