Bulk Material Unloading Device with Tilting Fork Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unloading devices for bulk material containers require significant space and are inefficient in confined areas, leading to limited discharge capacity and potential material loss during unloading, especially when trying to unload multiple containers in a stationary setting.

Innovation Solution

A compact unloading device with a height-adjustable fork carrier and a shovel-like chute attached to the tilting part, allowing for efficient tilting and emptying of containers while minimizing space requirements and ensuring unimpeded transport of bulk material, with optional automatic control for enhanced efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a stationary unloading device with a single group of wagons is used, then the device structure is simple, but the discharge capacity is limited due to sequential emptying of containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unloading device is divided into two independent working groups, each with its own support, fork carrier unit, and tilting part. This segmentation allows two containers to be emptied simultaneously or in rapid succession, doubling the discharge capacity while maintaining relatively simple individual module structures that can be independently operated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If conventional unloading devices are used in confined spaces, then space requirements are reduced, but material loss occurs during unloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace requirementVSAvoidmaterial loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A shovel-like chute is introduced as an intermediary component between the container and the discharge point. The chute is attached to the tilting part and extends beyond the container's discharge opening, acting as a mediator that guides the bulk material flow and prevents spillage during the tilting and emptying process, thereby eliminating material loss while maintaining compact device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If containers are emptied one after another from stationary wagons, then the device can be simple and stationary, but the unloading efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading efficiencyVSAvoidunloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous unloading operation by having two working groups that can operate in parallel. While one container is being emptied, the other group can be positioning or preparing the next container. The support structures can move translationally to receive filled containers and set down emptied containers continuously, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the unloading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fork carrier unit cannot be positioned laterally, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot adapt to different container positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fork carrier unit is made dynamically positionable through lateral displacement capability on the support structure. This allows the fork arms to be laterally positioned relative to the container being emptied, enabling the device to adapt to different container positions and orientations. The dynamic positioning capability is achieved through movable connections between the support and fork carrier unit, providing flexibility without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enables high-capacity unloading in confined spaces with reduced material loss and efficient handling of multiple containers, ensuring complete emptying and flexible deployment as a mobile or stationary system, suitable for urban areas and integration with conveyor systems.

Implementation Method 1

the container can be tilted and emptied upside down by rotating the tilting part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

any cargo adhering to the inner walls can be detached from the walls and the container can be completely emptied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP1944255B1Unloading device and installation with an unloading device

Publication Date: 2012.03.28 WANEK PUSSET PETER

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Figure 5~6

AI summary

Unloading device comprises a fork carrier arranged on a tilting part (3) which is rotated on a support (2) about an axle (15) running parallel to the longitudinal axis of a container so that the container can be tilted and emptied by rotating the tilting part. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement for unloading and emptying containers filled with bulk materials, e.g. biomass. Preferred Features: The support can be moved on a stationary base part (1) parallel to the extension of the fork arms (8). The fork carrier is arranged on a fork carrier unit which laterally slides opposite the tilting part.