Tracked Radial Stacker with Swiveling Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracked radial stackers face difficulties in shifting material in an arc due to their track system, which limits their use in stacking operations and transportation, as they are not road-friendly and require special handling for repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A tracked, portable radial stacker design incorporating a continuous track system with swiveling wheels that can be raised and lowered hydraulically, allowing for radial, lateral, and longitudinal movement, enabling efficient stacking and transportation by switching between wheel and track support for different operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tracked drive system is used for harsh terrain mobility, then the stacker can operate on difficult terrain, but the stacker cannot be easily repositioned radially and requires loading onto flatbed trucks for transit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support system changeable between two states: tracked support for harsh terrain operation and wheeled support for radial repositioning and road transport. The wheels are movable between a raised position (during tracked operation) and a lowered position (for radial movement), allowing the stacker to adapt its support mechanism based on the operational requirement. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling both tracked terrain capability and wheeled radial repositioning capability within a single system.
2Ease of operation
If wheels are used for radial stacking operations, then the stacker can swing in an arc to stack material efficiently, but the stacker cannot operate on harsh terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support system changeable between two states: tracked support for harsh terrain operation and wheeled support for radial repositioning. The wheels are movable between a raised position (during tracked operation) and a lowered position (for radial movement), allowing the stacker to adapt its support mechanism based on the operational requirement. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by enabling both tracked terrain capability and wheeled radial repositioning capability within a single system.
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
Enables flexible and efficient repositioning of bulk material for stacking in both arc and cone forms, facilitating road transport and operation on harsh terrain while maintaining maneuverability around job sites.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of wheels are mounted to the frame and are moveable between an elevated position, in which they do not contact the ground, and a lowered position, in which they lift the tracks off the ground as they engage the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A tracked, portable radial stacker for stockpiling bulk material is provided. It includes a linear conveyor having a rear portion and a front portion and being designed to carry bulk material from a low position adjacent the rear portion to a higher position adjacent the front portion. A continuous track system is provided which includes a frame to which the conveyor is mounted, the track system including a pair of driven, parallel tracks designed to contact the ground to convey the stacker from one position to another, and to be lifted off the ground when desired. A pair of wheels are mounted to the frame, the wheels being moveable between a raised position in which they do not contact the ground and a lowered position in which they lift the tracks off the ground as they engage the ground, enabling the conveyor to be moved about the ground on the wheels.