Interchangeable Street Sweeper Conveyor Modules for Debris Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Street sweeping vehicles are typically configured to accommodate only one type of conveyor assembly, limiting their versatility and requiring costly reconfiguration or replacement when switching between different conveyor technologies.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable conveyor modules, including both belt type and squeegee type conveyors, which can be easily mounted and dismounted on a street sweeping vehicle using a common support structure with multiple mounting locations, allowing for flexible use of either type without the need for extensive retooling or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a street sweeping vehicle is configured to accommodate only one specific type of conveyor, then the vehicle structure can be simplified and manufactured more easily, but the versatility and adaptability of the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple types of conveyors (belt type and squeegee type). The support structure includes multiple mounting locations with standardized attachment points, allowing the vehicle to be configured with different conveyor types based on operational needs without requiring different vehicle platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is divided into separate, interchangeable modules that can be independently mounted or removed from the vehicle. Each conveyor type is designed as a self-contained unit with standardized mounting interfaces, allowing easy substitution between belt and squeegee conveyors without affecting the core vehicle structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is designed with interchangeable conveyor modules, then the versatility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal support structure with standardized mounting locations is designed to work with both belt type and squeegee type conveyors. The mounting system uses common attachment points and standardized interfaces, reducing the need for multiple specialized mounting structures and thereby limiting the increase in complexity despite the enhanced versatility.
3Ease of operation
If multiple mounting locations are provided for the broom assembly, then the ease of operation and ideal positioning are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates multiple mounting locations for the broom assembly that are compatible with both belt type and squeegee type conveyors. These mounting locations use standardized attachment mechanisms, allowing the broom to be repositioned along the support structure to achieve ideal positioning for different conveyor configurations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to street sweepers and interchangeable conveyor modules for use with street sweepers that are interchangeable. A first conveyor module is provided that is mountable to the conveyor support structure of the vehicle wherein the conveyor is configured to transport debris from the broom assembly to the hopper on a continuous belt having paddles. A second conveyor module is also provided that is mountable to the vehicle structure wherein the second conveyor is a squeegee type conveyor. The first conveyor module and the second conveyor module are interchangeable on the street sweeping vehicle. Because the size envelope and attachment points and mechanisms are common, the two modules can be interchanged at will.