Adjustable Closure Assembly for Mixer Drum Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for rotating mixer drums in transport vehicles face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal over long periods, leading to wear and inefficiency in opening and closing operations due to the fixed contact pressure settings that do not account for dynamic conditions and material properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that adjust the contact pressure of the closure unit against the sealing seat based on real-time measurements of the mixer drum's position, speed, acceleration, rotational speed, and material properties like volume, consistency, and mass, using hydraulic or pneumatic drives to minimize friction and ensure effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed contact pressure is applied to the sealing seat, then the closure unit can be easily operated, but the sealing effect deteriorates over time due to wear and dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed contact pressure system to a dynamic adjustment system. The contact pressure is continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements of drum rotation speed, acceleration, and material properties. This allows the closure unit to adapt to varying operational conditions, maintaining reliable sealing while reducing wear on the sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the contact pressure parameter dynamically. The control unit adjusts the contact pressure between the closure unit and sealing seat based on measured variables such as drum rotation speed, acceleration, and material consistency. This ensures optimal sealing performance across different operating conditions without requiring excessive fixed pressure that would cause wear.
2Reliability
If high contact pressure is applied to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but frictional losses and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts contact pressure based on actual operational needs rather than maintaining constantly high pressure. The control unit monitors drum rotation speed, acceleration, and material properties to determine the minimum necessary contact pressure for effective sealing. This reduces frictional losses and wear while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where sensors continuously measure operational parameters (drum rotation, acceleration, material properties) and feed this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the contact pressure accordingly, ensuring sufficient sealing force is applied only when and where needed, thereby minimizing unnecessary frictional losses and energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If fixed contact pressure settings are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic conditions and material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static system into a dynamic one by introducing sensors and a control unit that continuously monitor and adjust contact pressure based on drum rotation speed, acceleration, and material properties. This enables the system to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining a relatively straightforward structural implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it monitors drum rotation speed, measures acceleration, assesses material properties, and adjusts contact pressure accordingly. This multi-functional approach enables the system to adapt to various dynamic conditions and material types without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
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 approach extends the service life of sealing elements, reduces frictional losses, and prevents material from escaping by dynamically adjusting the contact pressure according to the operational conditions, ensuring reliable sealing and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
using hydraulic or pneumatic drives to minimize friction and ensure effective sealing
Implementation Method 2
using hydraulic or pneumatic drives to minimize friction and ensure effective sealing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting a closure unit (20) that can be pressed against a sealing seat (17) for at least partially releasing and closing an opening (16) for filling and/or emptying a mixer drum (12) rotatable about a rotary axis (14) for a mixture B.According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: acquiring at least one measured variable from the group consisting of the position of the mixer drum (12) with respect to a reference (F, H), the translational velocity of the mixer drum with respect to a reference (F), the translational acceleration of the mixer drum with respect to a reference (F), the rotational velocity of the mixer drum (12) about the axis of rotation (14), the volume of the mixture (B) in the mixer drum (12), the consistency, in particular the viscosity of the mixture (B) in the mixer drum (12), and the mass of the mixture (B) in the mixer drum (12); and adjusting a contact force (P1, P2, P3) pressing the closure unit (20) against the sealing seat (17) as a function of the at least one measured variable.The invention also relates to a transport vehicle with a mixer drum (12) rotatable about a pivot axis, in particular a truck mixer (10), with a chassis (11) supporting the mixer drum (12), wherein the mixer drum (12) can be filled with a mixture (B), in particular concrete, through an opening (16), and wherein the mixer drum (12) is associated with a closing unit (20) for at least partially closing the opening (16), which can be pressed against a sealing seat (17) around the opening (16) by means of a drive (22). According to the invention, the transport vehicle includes a control device (40) by means of which the drive (22) of the closing unit (20) can be controlled depending on a dynamic state of the transport vehicle (10) and/or the mixer drum (12).