Transverse Beam Bulk Material Homogenization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bulk material with varying fraction sizes and densities leads to uneven distribution during asphalt paving, resulting in premature wear and impaired quality due to coarse and heavier fractions accumulating and not being properly discharged, causing joints and areas of poor quality in the paved surface.

Innovation Solution

A device with transverse beams arranged above the belt conveyor, along with co-lateral feed screws, ensures improved homogeneity by slowing down bulk material and redistributing coarse fractions across the conveyor, allowing for uniform discharge and reduced residue accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If bulk material is discharged using a conventional belt conveyor without additional structures, then the discharge process is simple, but coarse and heavier fractions accumulate on the sides forming residue that is not properly discharged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of discharged bulk materialVSAvoidstructure of discharge device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge device is segmented into multiple functional zones created by transverse beams positioned at different locations along the conveyor. These beams divide the bulk material flow into separate streams, allowing different fractions to be discharged at different positions, thereby improving homogeneity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transverse beams are introduced as a new dimensional element perpendicular to the conveyor direction. These beams extend across the width of the conveyor, creating a third dimension in the discharge process that enables lateral distribution of different bulk material fractions, improving discharge uniformity without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the belt conveyor runs at high speed to increase productivity, then paving efficiency improves, but fractionated material accumulates and forms joints in the paved surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaving speedVSAvoidquality of paved surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse beams perform preliminary sorting and distribution of bulk material fractions before they reach the discharge point. By pre-distributing coarse and fine fractions across different lateral positions, the system ensures uniform material composition even at high conveyor speeds, preventing joint formation in the paved surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables continuous discharge of homogenized bulk material at high speeds by maintaining the beam structure along the entire conveyor length. This continuous action ensures that fractionated material is constantly redistributed and discharged uniformly, allowing high productivity without compromising paving quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If co-lateral conveyors are added to feed material from the sides, then homogeneity is improved by distributing coarse fractions, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of bulk material distributionVSAvoidnumber of conveyors and feeding mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The function of multiple co-lateral conveyors is merged into a single belt conveyor system with transverse beams. The beams perform the lateral distribution function that would otherwise require separate feeding mechanisms, combining material transport and fraction distribution into one integrated structure, thereby improving homogeneity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transverse beams serve multiple functions simultaneously: they support the conveyor structure, distribute bulk material laterally, and create discharge zones for different fractions. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, improving material distribution while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution achieves better homogeneity of discharged bulk material, reducing premature wear and improving paving quality by ensuring uniform distribution and increased homogeneity, extending the lifespan of the paved surface and allowing for higher paving speeds.

Implementation Method 1

at least a belt conveyor arranged on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet arranged on the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConveyor belt transport:

Implementation Method 2

bulk material with varying fraction sizes, i.e. a variation in size and/or density, results in coarser and/or heavier fractions rolling or falling down the side of the hillocks of bulk material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

at least one beam is arranged on the platform above the belt conveyer, which beam extends transversal to the feeding direction the belt conveyer and over at least a portion of the width of the belt conveyor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2207699B1A device for treatment of bulk material, a method as well as a beam construction intended for said treatment
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
  • EP2207699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2207699B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2d
  • EP2207699B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of bulk material, comprising a platform 24', 24", 28 for supporting bulk material and at least one outfeeding device 28 arranged on the platform for feeding bulk material placed on the platform towards an outlet 29 arranged on the platform, wherein the feeding device has a feeding direction towards the outlet, a first and a second beam 30, 31, 32, 33 is arranged on the platform above the outfeeding device, which beams extends transversal to the feeding direction of the outfeeding device and at least a portion in over of the width of the outfeeding device, wherein the second beam 32 being arranged at a higher level above the outfeeding device than the first beam 31. Further, the invention comprises a method for the treatment of bulk material, wherein the bulk material is placed on a platform 24', 24", 28 comprising an outfeeding device 28 and an outlet 29 arranged in connection to one end of the outfeeding device, and wherein bulk material which is placed on the platform and being fed by the outfeeding device in a direction towards the outlet and is slowed down at several places above the outfeeding device. Additionally, the device comprises a beam construction intended to be used in a device for the treatment of bulk material.