Adjustable Spiral Chute Steps for Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spiral chutes face a compromise between conveying speed and damage prevention, with lower speeds increasing the risk of objects getting stuck and higher speeds risking damage upon collision, and existing solutions do not effectively control the speed and acceleration of objects along the chute.
Innovation Solution
The spiral chute features adjustable steps with a sliding face, allowing for selective adjustment of the inclination angle to control the speed and acceleration of objects, achieved through a fastener system that enables independent adjustment of each step's angle, thereby optimizing the conveying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveying speed is reduced to prevent object damage, then the risk of objects getting stuck increases, but if the conveying speed is increased to prevent objects from getting stuck, then the risk of object damage upon collision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into multiple adjustable steps that can be independently positioned at different heights, creating a dynamic conveying path. This allows the system to adapt the inclination angle and acceleration profile at each step, enabling objects to be conveyed at controlled speeds that prevent both stagnation and excessive velocity leading to collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying path is segmented into multiple discrete steps rather than a continuous slope. Each step can be independently adjusted, allowing precise control over the acceleration and velocity of objects at different stages of the conveying process, thereby managing the trade-off between preventing objects from getting stuck and avoiding damage from high-speed collisions
2Productivity
If the inclination angle is increased to increase conveying speed, then productivity improves, but the risk of object damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into multiple adjustable steps rather than a single continuous slope. Each step can be independently positioned to create optimal inclination angles for different stages of conveying, allowing high speeds in later stages while maintaining gentle angles at the beginning to prevent damage
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the chute have different inclination angles optimized for their specific function. The upper sections have gentler angles to prevent damage to objects just entering the chute, while lower sections can have steeper angles to maximize conveying speed and productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the inclination angle is decreased to prevent object damage, then conveying speed reduces, but the risk of objects getting stuck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable step configuration allows the system to dynamically adapt the inclination angle at each stage. Gentle angles at the beginning prevent damage, while progressively steeper angles in later stages ensure objects maintain sufficient velocity to prevent stagnation, thereby resolving the contradiction between damage prevention and preventing objects from getting stuck
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 solution allows for tailored speed and acceleration control, reducing the risk of objects getting stuck or damaged, by enabling precise adjustment of the conveying characteristics within the chute.
Implementation Method 1
The object then slides along a spiral conveying path downwards by gravity to an outlet
Implementation Method 2
the angle of the sliding face can be adjusted. As a consequence, the speed and/or acceleration of an object at a particular location within the chute can be selectively adapted
Data Source
AI summary
Spiral chute (1), adapted to convey an object from an inlet (I) to an outlet (O) downwards along a sliding area (S) in a sliding manner, wherein the sliding area (S) defines a spiral conveying direction (D); the spiral chute (1) comprises a plurality of steps (6), which are arranged along the spiral conveying direction (D), each of the steps having a sliding face (62) for vertically supporting the sliding objects; wherein the spiral chute is adapted so that an inclination angle (i) of the sliding face (62) relative to the horizontal plane can selectively be adapted.