Transportable Container with Multi-Side Discharge Chutes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportable containers with vertical orientations face challenges in maximizing capacity and stability during movement and placement at crowded work sites, particularly when discharging granular materials, as they often require limited access routes and need to balance weight distribution to prevent tipping.
Innovation Solution
A transportable container apparatus with a hoppered floor directing material to a central discharge opening and multiple chutes that slope outward, combined with a distributor assembly to direct material into any chute input, allowing discharge on three sides and increased capacity by extending over a gooseneck trailer hitch assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container is designed with a single outlet port on one side, then the container structure is simple, but the positioning flexibility at crowded work sites is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple sections (first container section and second container section) with each having its own outlet port. This segmentation allows different parts of the container to discharge material from different sides, providing positioning flexibility at crowded work sites where access routes are limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to perform multiple discharge functions through different outlet ports located on different sides. This multi-functionality enables the container to adapt to various work site configurations and access routes, making a single container versatile for different positioning scenarios.
2Quantity of substance
If the container extends over the hitch assembly to increase capacity, then the storage volume is maximized, but the stability during transport may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container extends in the longitudinal dimension over the hitch assembly, utilizing the vertical space above the trailer to maximize storage capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach allows the container to achieve greater volume while maintaining a compact transport profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple containers are used to provide discharge on multiple sides, then the discharge versatility is improved, but the number of containers and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple container sections are merged into a single integrated container assembly with a shared common bottom. This combination provides the discharge versatility of multiple containers (with outlets on different sides) while reducing the total number of separate containers needed and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-section container assembly performs multiple discharge functions through different outlet ports on different sides, making a single container unit versatile for various work site configurations and eliminating the need for multiple separate containers.
4Area of stationary object
If the container is oriented vertically to reduce footprint, then the ground area occupied is minimized, but the access routes for maneuvering trailers become more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple sections with outlet ports on different sides, allowing the container to be positioned in various orientations. This segmentation enables the container to maintain a compact vertical footprint while providing flexible positioning options that accommodate limited access routes at work sites.
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 configuration enhances versatility and capacity by enabling discharge on multiple sides, improving stability and reducing the need for multiple containers, while maintaining a compact footprint during transport.
Implementation Method 1
Containers holding granular material typically have a hoppered bottom with walls sloping toward an outlet port at the bottom of one side of the container so that all the material inside will flow out through the outlet port, leaving the container empty.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of chutes is fixed to the container assembly and configured such that when the container assembly is in the working orientation, each chute slopes downward and outward from a corresponding chute input, located under a central portion of the hoppered floor
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly comprises a container and a base and is configured to be transported horizontally to a work site where it is raised to a vertical working orientation. A hoppered container floor directs material to a discharge opening in a center of the floor of the container. A plurality of chutes is fixed to the container assembly and each slopes downward and outward from a chute input, located under a central portion of the hoppered floor, to a corresponding chute output. A distributor assembly mounted under the discharge opening receives granular material from the discharge opening and directs same into any one of the chute inputs. When loaded on a gooseneck trailer the container extends over the hitch assembly providing increased volume and capacity.