Retracting Swivel Transfer Conveyor for Mobile Hopper Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile conveyors are often unable to reach under hopper bottom trailers due to a steep angle, and existing solutions either require additional weight, are expensive, or complicate the unloading process, making it inefficient to unload from multiple hoppers without moving the conveyor base.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus that extends and swivels relative to the main conveyor, allowing the transfer conveyor to pivot and move laterally without shifting the base, enabling unloading from multiple hoppers with a mechanism that includes a guide track, carriage frame, and swivel assembly for axial to lateral motion conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the mobile conveyor is extended to reach under hopper bottom trailers, then the reach is improved, but the weight increases beyond what the cart was designed to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into two separate conveyors: a main conveyor that remains within the cart's weight capacity, and a transfer conveyor that extends the reach. The transfer conveyor is mounted on a movable carriage that can be positioned as needed, rather than permanently extending the entire conveyor system which would exceed weight limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer conveyor is mounted on a carriage that can dynamically move along a guide track and be positioned at different locations. This dynamic positioning allows the conveyor reach to be extended only when and where needed, rather than permanently increasing the weight of the entire conveyor system.
2Length of moving object
If a separate belt is slid over the mobile conveyor to extend reach, then the reach is improved, but the device complexity increases due to lifting mechanisms and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer conveyor is integrated with the main conveyor through their coordinated operation. The transfer conveyor discharges material directly into the inlet of the main conveyor, merging their functions into a unified material flow path. This eliminates the need for separate lifting mechanisms and complex interconnections between independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer conveyor serves multiple functions: it extends the reach of the mobile conveyor, can be positioned at different locations along the guide track, and can be retracted when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall system structure.
3Length of moving object
If the conveyor arm is designed to lift the extended unit, then the reach is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual lifting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer conveyor is designed to be self-contained on the carriage frame, with its own support structure and mounting mechanisms. It can be deployed and retracted without requiring manual lifting by operators, as the carriage and transfer conveyor work together as an integrated unit that can be positioned mechanically or hydraulically without human physical effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer apparatus for loading a main conveyor of an implement, for example a seed cart, includes a guide track mounted along the main conveyor, a carriage frame movable along the guide track from a deployed position aligned within an inlet opening of the main conveyor and a retracted position displaced along the main conveyor towards the discharge end from the deployed position, and a transfer conveyor including a discharge end operatively connected to the carriage frame for discharging into the inlet end of the main conveyor in the deployed position. The carriage frame including a swivel formed therein which supports the transfer duct for pivotal movement relative to the guide track about an upright swivel axis and about a lateral tilt axis in the deployed position.