Adjustable Vibratory Drive System Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibratory drive systems for material processing apparatuses require significant downtime for adjusting phase angles, limiting the flexibility in vibration characteristics due to mechanical coupling of drive shafts.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that adjusts the rotational speed of drive shafts independently to achieve desired relative angular positions and directions, allowing for real-time modification of vibration characteristics without halting the screening process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If drive shafts are mechanically coupled together with fixed phase angles, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the vibration characteristics cannot be adjusted without significant downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of vibration characteristicsVSAvoiddowntime for mechanical adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into multiple independently controllable drive shafts, each with its own motor. This allows the phase angle and rotational speed of each shaft to be adjusted independently without affecting the others, enabling vibration characteristic changes without shutting down the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, mechanically locked phase angle to a dynamic, electronically controlled phase angle. The controller continuously adjusts the rotational speed of individual drive shafts to maintain desired phase relationships, allowing real-time adaptation of vibration characteristics during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drive shafts are mechanically coupled together, then the drive system structure is simplified, but the type of vibration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetype of vibration achievableVSAvoiddrive system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling mechanisms (gears, belts, chains) with an electronic control system. Each drive shaft has its own motor controlled by a controller that coordinates their operation. This substitution allows for a wider range of vibration types while actually simplifying the mechanical structure by eliminating complex mechanical couplings.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the phase angle is adjusted mechanically, then the vibration characteristics can be changed, but the screening apparatus must be stopped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration characteristics adjustmentVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous adjustment of vibration characteristics during operation. The controller modifies the rotational speed of drive shafts in real-time without requiring the screening apparatus to stop, ensuring continuous productive operation while adapting vibration parameters to changing material processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 flexible adjustment of vibration characteristics in real-time, enhancing operational efficiency by allowing continuous operation of the screening apparatus without the need for mechanical adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

Each shaft carries an eccentrically mounted mass, and the respective angular positions of the masses define a phase angle between shafts. The coupled shafts rotate in opposite directions and cause the screening apparatus to vibrate linearly or elliptically.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3566784B1Adjustable vibratory drive system
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 TEREX GB LTD
  • EP3566784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3566784B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3566784B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vibratory drive system suitable for a material screening apparatus. The drive system includes rotatable drive shafts each having a centre of mass offset from its rotational axis. A respective drive mechanism is coupled to each drive shaft and is controlled by a controller. The controller adjusts the relative rotational speed of the drive shafts to adjust the relative angular position of the respective centre of mass of the drive shafts. This adjustment allows the vibratory characteristics of the drive system to be changed without having to halt the drive system.