Translocatable Slurry Hopper With Stable Inclined-Terrain Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hopper systems for front-end loader vehicles face challenges in efficiently delivering and positioning slurry to job sites, particularly on inclined terrains, leading to stability and safety issues due to uneven terrain and slurry distribution.
Innovation Solution
A translocatable hopper with a hydraulically operated sluice gate and vibration mechanism, mounted on a front-end loader vehicle, which allows for controlled slurry delivery through inclined chute design and stabilization via center of gravity adjustment, ensuring safe and stable slurry distribution across various terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hopper is mounted on a front-end loader vehicle for slurry delivery, then mobility and delivery capability are improved, but stability and safety deteriorate due to uneven terrain and slurry distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by positioning the hopper's center of gravity optimally and using the vehicle's suspension system to balance forces during slurry delivery on inclined terrains, preventing tipping and enhancing stability
2Ease of operation
If a hydraulically operated sluice gate is used for controlled slurry delivery, then delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulically operated sluice gate mechanism that uses hydraulic pressure to control the opening and closing of the gate, enabling precise slurry delivery control while leveraging the existing hydraulic system of the front-end loader vehicle
3Ease of operation
If the sluice gate is oriented in an inclined plane when the hopper is in resting position, then slurry flow control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sluice gate to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the gate's inclination angle to be modified based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimized slurry flow control while compensating for variations in manufacturing precision through operational flexibility
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 solution enhances the stability and safety of the hopper and vehicle by facilitating controlled slurry delivery and reducing tipping tendencies, even on uneven surfaces, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety during slurry distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulically operated rising and falling sluice gate is associated with the chute
Implementation Method 2
The slurry moves outwardly from the chute when the sluice gate is at least partially opened as the hopper is placed at or near the delivery position above the jobsite
Data Source
AI summary
Several aspects of this disclosure relate to a translocatable hopper that is mounted for example at the forward part of a front-end loader vehicle. The hopper receives, re-positions and delivers a slurry to a jobsite and preferably is detachably attached to a vehicle. In several embodiments, the hopper is translocatable from a resting position to a delivery position through one or more intermediate positions. Preferably, a front wall has an outlet gate and a chute extending therefrom. The chute is configured to direct slurry into the jobsite, A rising and falling sluice gate is associated with the chute. The slurry moves outwardly from the chute when the sluice gate is at least partially opened as the hopper is placed at or near or above the delivery position above the jobsite.