Tilting Unit and Platform for Bulk Goods Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual unloading of large containers filled with bulk goods often results in damage to the goods and wear on unloading devices due to the impact and agitation required for emptying, especially in high-traffic areas like airports.
Innovation Solution
A method using a tilting unit and platform with a common rotational axis to flip the container, allowing the goods to be gently transferred onto a platform without falling, thus minimizing impact and eliminating the need for agitation, and an unloading device comprising a tilting unit and platform that tilts together to position the container on its side, allowing bulk goods to be deposited on the platform and then transported away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bulk goods are allowed to fall out of the large container during unloading, then the unloading process is simplified and faster, but the bulk goods can be damaged by impact
Solution Approach 1:
A platform is introduced as an intermediary element between the large container and the ground. The platform rotates together with the container about a common rotational axis, providing a stable support surface that moves with the container during tilting. This mediator prevents direct impact of falling goods while enabling controlled unloading motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting unit and platform are merged into a single rotating assembly sharing a common rotational axis. This combination ensures that the platform tilts synchronously with the container, maintaining relative position stability and preventing goods from falling freely while enabling the container to be positioned on its opening side for complete emptying.
2Productivity
If the large container is agitated to empty it completely, then all bulk goods are unloaded, but the unloading device itself suffers damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as a mediator that receives bulk goods gently during the tilting process. By providing this intermediate support surface, the system eliminates the need for violent agitation of the container. Goods are transferred to the platform through controlled tilting motion rather than impact, preserving both goods and device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic tilting motion instead of static agitation. The container and platform rotate together about a common axis, creating a controlled dynamic process that gradually positions the container on its opening side. This dynamic approach allows complete emptying without the violent shaking that causes device wear and damage.
3Ease of operation
If manual unloading methods are used, then operator control is maintained, but the process is less efficient and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading system performs the emptying operation automatically through the coordinated tilting of the container and platform. The mechanism serves itself by using its own structural components (the platform and rotational axis) to accomplish the unloading function without requiring external manual intervention for the actual emptying process, thereby increasing efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
This method protects both the bulk goods and the unloading device from damage, reduces wear on components, and allows for automated operation with minimal operator intervention, making the process cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
the tilting unit together with the large container located thereon and the platform closing the opening side of the large container is tilted about the common rotational axis in such a way that the large container is positioned on its opening side, wherein at least one bulk good is deposited on the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A method unloads bulk goods from a laterally open large container using an unloading device with a tilting unit and a platform. The tilting unit and the platform have a common rotational axis. Both the bulk goods and the unloading device are prevented from being damaged. The laterally open large container which is filled with a bulk good is positioned on the tilting unit. The platform is flipped up such that the platform closes the opening side of the large container. The tilting unit is tilted together with the large container located thereon and the platform closing the opening side of the large container about the common rotational axis such that the large container is positioned on the container opening side, and the bulk good is deposited on the platform. The tilting unit is then tilted back together with the large container, the bulk good remaining on the platform.