Split-Type Unloading Device for Non-Coherent Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous unloading devices for non-coherent materials from ship holds and storage crates face inefficiencies, including incomplete material collection, complex automation, powder containment issues, and difficulty in replacing excavating foot elements, leading to increased energy consumption and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A split-type unloading device with a horizontally adjustable and rotatably movable excavating foot assembly connected to a vertical bucket chain elevator, featuring a triangular geometry and containment structures to manage powders and reduce excavation height, allowing for efficient and quick replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single movement unit is used for excavation, loading and upwards movement, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot autonomously allow complete collection of loose material from all areas of the hold
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent movement units: a horizontal foot assembly for excavation and a vertical bucket chain elevator for elevation and transport. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in its function, enabling complete material collection from all hold areas while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the excavating foot has variable geometry according to height variation, then adaptation to different material heights is improved, but the device requires significantly complex automation devices
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal foot assembly incorporates adjustable geometry that can be dynamically modified to match the height and characteristics of the material being excavated. This dynamic adaptability allows the foot to efficiently handle various material types and heights without requiring complex automation systems, as the geometry adjustment is a mechanical feature rather than an automated function.
3Ease of operation
If the scraping assembly freely moves material without guide or containment, then material flow is simplified, but there are losses of load and complete lack of containment of powders
Solution Approach 1:
A containment structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the horizontal foot assembly and the vertical elevator. This containment structure guides and contains the material flow, preventing powder dispersion and load losses while maintaining relatively simple material movement. The containment structure acts as a mediator that organizes the transition of material from the excavation zone to the elevation zone.
4Productivity
If significant excavating heights are used, then unloading capacity is increased, but the excavating devices are buried by landslides of the material
Solution Approach 1:
The excavation function is segmented from the elevation function, with the horizontal foot assembly operating at a lower, more stable level and the vertical bucket chain elevator handling the material transport to greater heights. This segmentation allows the excavating foot to work at significant heights for high unloading capacity while avoiding direct exposure to material landslides that would bury the excavation devices.
5Productivity
If complex automation devices are implemented, then complete material collection is achieved, but maintenance and fine-tuning operations become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular horizontal and vertical assemblies with clearly defined functions and accessible components. This modular segmentation simplifies maintenance and fine-tuning operations, as each module can be independently serviced without affecting the entire system, while still achieving complete material collection through the coordinated action of the segmented functions.
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 overall unloading efficiency, reduces material losses, simplifies maintenance, and minimizes energy consumption by ensuring complete collection and containment of powders, while allowing 360° rotation for comprehensive coverage and easy replacement of excavating elements.
Implementation Method 1
vertical bucket chain elevator assembly... for the transfer of non-coherent material
Implementation Method 2
rotatably mobile with respect thereto... allowing for 360° rotation for comprehensive coverage
Implementation Method 3
containment structures to manage powders... ensuring complete collection and containment of powders
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10, 100) for continuous unloading of non-coherent material, of the split type, provided with a horizontal excavating foot assembly (11, 111) rotatably connected with a lower terminal portion of a bucket chain elevator assembly (13, 113) having a vertical axis; there is provided, on the horizontal excavating foot assembly (11, 111) having fixed geometry, a mobile excavating device (19, 119) that collects non-coherent material from an excavating area (22, 122) to convey it to its collecting area (28, 128), with the excavating portion (21, 121) that moves horizontally with respect to the excavating area (22, 122) and at a height lower than the collecting area (28, 29, 128, 129).