Over-Center Vacuum Tank Door Latching With Single-Actuator Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum tanks face challenges with door opening mechanisms that either require multiple actuators, leading to space constraints in larger tanks, or manual operation that results in spoil spillage in smaller tanks.
Innovation Solution
A single-actuator door latching mechanism with an 'over-center' linkage using a rotating shaft, central tab, and hooks that engage with shackles, allowing for efficient door opening and closing without continuous force requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used for door opening mechanism, then reliable door operation is achieved, but space constraints occur in larger tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple door opening operations into a single integrated mechanism. A single actuator rotates a shaft that simultaneously controls multiple latching points through connected tabs and hooks, merging the function of multiple actuators into one compact mechanism that operates reliably without requiring additional space for separate actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by rotating the shaft to simultaneously engage or disengage multiple hooks with their corresponding shackles. This multi-functional design allows one actuator to perform the work of multiple actuators, achieving reliable door operation across all latching points while maintaining space efficiency.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for door opening, then device complexity is reduced, but spoil spillage occurs in smaller tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is designed to be self-latching through the over-center linkage geometry. When the shaft rotates to the latched position, the hooks automatically engage with the shackles and lock in place without requiring manual intervention to maintain the latched state. Similarly, the mechanism self-unlatches when the shaft rotates to the open position, preventing spoil spillage while minimizing the need for complex manual operation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism uses dynamic over-center linkage that transitions between latched and unlatched states through shaft rotation. The geometry of the tabs, hooks, and shackles creates a dynamic system where the latched position is self-sustaining, and the unlatched position occurs automatically at the appropriate point in the rotation cycle, eliminating spoil spillage without requiring complex manual control systems.
3Reliability
If continuous force is applied to keep door closed, then reliable latching is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center linkage acts as a mechanical counterweight system. When the shaft rotates to the latched position, the geometry of the tabs and hooks creates a mechanical advantage that automatically holds the door closed without requiring continuous external force. The system uses its own geometry to counteract the tendency of the door to open, achieving reliable latching without continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses periodic rotation of the shaft to achieve latching and unlatching at specific points in the rotation cycle. The over-center linkage ensures that once latched, the door remains securely closed during the entire period between actuation cycles, eliminating the need for continuous force application and reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable latching.
Data Source
AI summary
A door latching mechanism for a tank door. The mechanism includes a rotating shaft with integral tabs. A central tab rotates in response to actuation by a cylinder or other actuator. Outwardly disposed tabs are rotatably connected to hooks which have a specific geometry, allowing them to latch onto shackles on the side of the tank. When latched, the tab's orientation is over center, such that positive force is not needed to maintain the tank in the latched position. The hooks may be concave up or concave down depending upon the geometry of the remainder of the latching mechanism. When unlatched, a single powered hinge may allow the tank to be open, and gravity assists with the disposal of spoils contained therein.