Adjustable Screening Machine Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elliptical screening machines require mechanical adjustments to change the inclination of the ellipse, which can only be done at a standstill and involve high complexity with multiple motors and encoders, limiting the ability for stepless adjustment during operation.

Innovation Solution

A controllable screening machine with a drive unit that includes a kinematic chain allowing for adjustment of the relative phase position of counter-rotating drive shafts via a speed modulation gear, enabling the adjustment of the ellipse inclination during operation using a single drive motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical adjustment methods are used to change the ellipse inclination, then the adjustment can be made at standstill with simple structure, but the adjustment cannot be made during operation and the adjustment is limited to stepwise changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capability during operationVSAvoiddrive system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system (requiring multiple motors, encoders, and complex mechanical components) with a single drive motor that directly controls both counter-rotating shafts. The ellipse inclination is adjusted by varying the rotational speeds of the shafts through the frequency converter, eliminating the need for mechanical phase shifters, additional motors, and encoder systems while enabling continuous adjustment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the drive system by using a single motor with frequency converter to independently control the rotational speeds of both shafts. By varying the speed parameters (n1 and n2) and their ratio, the ellipse inclination can be continuously adjusted during operation without mechanical reconfiguration, transforming the system from fixed-step mechanical adjustment to continuous electronic parameter control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate drive motors with frequency converters and encoders are used to achieve phase shift, then the ellipse inclination can be adjusted during operation, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveellipse inclination adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of motors and control components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate drive motors, frequency converters, and encoder systems into a single drive motor with frequency converter that controls both shafts. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining the capability to adjust ellipse inclination during operation, as the single motor can independently control the speeds and phase relationship of both counter-rotating shafts through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive motor with frequency converter performs multiple functions: it drives both counter-rotating shafts, controls their rotational speeds independently, maintains their synchronous operation, and adjusts the phase difference between them. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated motors and control systems for each shaft, reducing overall system complexity while preserving full adjustment capability.

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

Enables stepless adjustment of the elliptical inclination without the need for multiple motors and encoders, allowing for real-time adaptation of the ellipse orientation, reducing operational complexity and enhancing flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

In each of which an imbalance is connected to a rotating drive, so that centrifugal forces act as a result during operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

A screen box with a screen bottom is connected to a foundation via springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring vibration: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3693090A1Adjustable screening machine and method for operating an adjustable screening machine
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 SIEBTECHN
  • EP3693090A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3693090A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3693090A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a controllable screening machine comprising at least one screen box (1) and a drive unit by means of which the screen box (1) can be set into vibration, wherein the drive unit has a drive motor (42) which drives two counter-rotating drive shafts (3, 4) each with at least one unbalanced mass (5, 6), in that the drive motor (42) drives the first drive shaft (3) as the main shaft (10) and the second drive shaft (4) as the auxiliary shaft (11) is coupled to the main shaft (10) via a kinematic chain, characterized in that the kinematic chain has an adjusting element by means of which the relative phase position of the auxiliary shaft (11) with respect to the main shaft (10) can be changed and fixed. The invention further relates to a method for operating a controllable screening machine.