Wheeled Vehicle Coupler for Single-Worker Dust Collection Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional arrangement of concrete grinders, pre-separators, and vacuums is labor-intensive, requiring two workers to relocate the equipment, leading to inefficient use of pre-separators and frequent vacuum filter replacements due to unfiltered large dust particles, which increases operating costs and reduces pre-separator sales.
Innovation Solution
A coupler is designed to easily connect pre-separators to vacuums, allowing one worker to move both simultaneously, thereby maintaining grinder operation and encouraging the use of pre-separators to filter out 80-90% of large dust particles, reducing vacuum filter replacements and enhancing relocation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional arrangement of grinder, pre-separator and vacuum is used, then dust filtration is achieved, but two workers are required to relocate equipment and pre-separator usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grinder, pre-separator, and vacuum into a single integrated dust collection system. The pre-separator is positioned between the grinder outlet and vacuum inlet, creating a unified apparatus that functions as one unit rather than separate components requiring independent handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-separator acts as an intermediary component between the grinder and vacuum. It captures 80-90% of larger dust particles upstream before they reach the vacuum, serving as a mediator that protects the vacuum filter while maintaining the dust collection function.
2Reliability
If pre-separator is not used, then equipment relocation is simpler, but vacuum filter requires frequent replacements due to unfiltered large particles
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-separator performs preliminary filtration of large dust particles (80-90% capture) before the dust reaches the vacuum filter. This preliminary action removes the harmful large particles that would otherwise clog and damage the vacuum filter, extending its operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-separator provides beforehand protection to the vacuum filter by capturing 80-90% of larger dust particles upstream. This cushioning effect prevents the vacuum filter from being exposed to the full burden of unfiltered dust, particularly the large particles that cause frequent filter replacements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If pre-separator is integrated into the system, then vacuum filter lifetime is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-separator and vacuum are merged into a single integrated dust collection system with the pre-separator positioned between the grinder outlet and vacuum inlet. This integration creates a unified apparatus where the pre-separator serves as an inline component rather than a separate unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for coupling a first and second wheeled vehicle. The apparatus includes a first area with a stop to engage an undersurface of the first wheeled vehicle and a second area with spaced apart openings to receive wheels of the second vehicle. The apparatus also includes a hook member positioned between the first and second areas and including surfaces to engage a perimeter of the frame of the first wheeled vehicle. The method includes engaging a perimeter of the frame of the first wheeled vehicle with the hook member. The method further includes rotating the stop about an engagement point between the hook member and the frame of the first wheeled vehicle until the stop engages an undersurface of the frame. The method further includes positioning a pair of wheels of the second vehicle in the spaced apart openings.