Spreader Slam Latch for Removable Chute Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing salt spreaders have a chute design that makes it difficult to access the spinner disc for maintenance and cleaning, as it is protected by a metal chute that is not easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A spreader system with a chute attachment mechanism using slam latches, which includes a cover with a void space and a pin that engages with holes in the hopper and chute, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the chute for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chute is protected by a metal housing for durability and protection, then the protection and durability are improved, but the accessibility for maintenance and cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chute housing is divided into a fixed portion and a removable portion. The removable portion can be detached to provide access to the spinner disc for maintenance and cleaning, while the fixed portion remains to provide structural support and protection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the housing to provide protection when assembled while enabling accessibility when the removable portion is detached.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the chute is securely attached to the hopper for stable operation, then the stability and security are improved, but the ease of detachment for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses a dynamic latch system that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The latch includes a latch arm that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the chute to be securely attached during operation but easily detached when needed for maintenance. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both secure attachment and ease of detachment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the spinner disc is enclosed within the chute for protection, then the protection from damage is improved, but the accessibility for cleaning and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chute housing is segmented into fixed and removable portions, where the removable portion can be detached to provide direct access to the spinner disc. This allows the spinner disc to be protected by the housing during operation while being easily accessible for maintenance when the removable portion is taken off.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable portion of the chute housing can be completely detached and removed, fully exposing the spinner disc for maintenance and cleaning operations. This extraction of the protective housing portion temporarily resolves the contradiction by removing the barrier between the maintenance personnel and the spinner disc.
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 slam latch mechanism provides a secure and accessible way to attach and detach the chute, facilitating easier maintenance and cleaning of the spinner disc, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the salt spreader.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is used for urging the pin into engagement with the first and second engagement holes
Implementation Method 2
The biasing member is preferably a deformable coil spring concentrically mounted along the pin
Implementation Method 3
The plunger is preferably vertically mounted so that is gravitationally drawn downwardly to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in this disclosure is a slam latch for attaching a chute to a hopper mounted onto a vehicle. A cover is secured to an exterior surface of the hopper and defines a void therebetween. First and second aligned holes are formed in the cover and the hopper. A pin is mounted to the cover for movement through the first and second holes and urges with a spring. A plunger is retained in the void and moves between a closed position that blocks the pin from engagement with the holes, and an open position that admits the pin for engagement. The chute includes an engagement member having a third hole. The chute is displaced such that the engagement member slides into the void and displaces the plunger, enabling engagement of the pin with the first, second and third holes, thereby attaching the chute to the hopper.