Storage Wagon Transfer Device for Lateral Bulk Material Unloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage wagons for bulk goods lack the flexibility to unload material efficiently next to the track or in containers parked beside the track due to insufficient swing-out angles of their transfer conveyor belts, limiting their application in material logistics and adaptability to local conditions.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with a transverse conveying direction is integrated into the storage wagon, allowing lateral unloading and featuring a pivoting transfer conveyor belt with a hydraulic or electric drive, quick-release fasteners, and a control device for precise speed adjustment, enabling efficient unloading into containers or wagons with high side walls and flexible positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer conveyor belt is mounted on the vehicle frame to rotate about a vertical axis, then the conveying direction can be changed for passing on stored bulk material, but the swing-out angle is insufficient for unloading in containers parked next to the track or in open freight cars on the neighboring track

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading capabilityVSAvoidtransfer device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is divided into two independent parts: the transfer conveyor belt for longitudinal material transfer and the transfer device with transverse conveyor for lateral material transfer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the transverse conveyor providing the necessary lateral reach to containers parked next to the track.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a transverse dimension to the material transfer capability. While the transfer conveyor belt handles material transfer in the longitudinal direction, the transfer device with transverse conveyor belt enables lateral material transfer, creating a two-dimensional transfer capability that expands the unloading radius and allows loading into containers parked next to the track.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transfer conveyor belt is pivoted laterally, then the radius of action for transferring bulk material is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer radiusVSAvoidpivoting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer conveyor belt is designed with pivoting capability, allowing it to rotate laterally about a vertical axis. This dynamic adjustment enables the transfer conveyor to adapt its position and extend its reach to various locations, including containers parked next to the track, thereby increasing the transfer radius without requiring a completely fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer device with transverse conveying direction is added, then lateral unloading capability is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral unloading capabilityVSAvoidtransfer device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: it can transfer material laterally to containers parked next to the track, load material into open freight cars on neighboring tracks, and discharge material at variable distances from the storage wagon. This universal design justifies the added complexity by providing versatile unloading capabilities for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device acts as an intermediary between the storage wagon and various receiving locations. It includes a transverse conveyor belt that bridges the gap between the longitudinal transfer conveyor and the final discharge point, enabling lateral material transfer to containers and wagons that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the transfer device is designed with detachable quick-release fasteners, then flexible use and secure fastening are enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening flexibilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is pre-equipped with detachable quick-release fasteners during manufacturing, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment operations during use. This preliminary preparation of the fastening mechanism enables flexible operation and easy reconfiguration of the transfer device without requiring complex assembly procedures during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3665329B1Storage car for bulk material
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3665329B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a storage car (1) for bulk material (5), comprising a loading container (4), which can be moved on rail running gears (2) and which has a bottom conveyor belt (8) extending in the car longitudinal direction (7), and comprising a transfer conveyor belt (11) adjoining the bottom conveyor belt (8) for forwarding the stored bulk material (5) in a first conveying direction (12). According to the invention, a transfer device (14) for forwarding the bulk material (5) in a second conveying direction (15) extending approximately perpendicularly to the first conveying direction (12) is fastened to a transfer end (13) of the transfer conveyor belt (11).