Adjustable Phase Angle Vibratory Drive System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibratory drive systems for material processing require significant downtime and mechanical reconfiguration to adjust the phase angle for varying vibration characteristics, as shafts are mechanically locked together and must be dismantled for adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A vibratory drive system featuring a rotary transmission system with an out-of-balance wheel and intermediate rotary transmission components carried by a rotatable carrier, allowing for adjustment of the phase angle without dismantling, using a gear system to transmit rotation and enable independent rotation of the wheel relative to the shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shafts are mechanically locked together by gears or timing belts to transmit rotation, then rotational movement is reliably transmitted, but the phase angle cannot be adjusted without significant downtime and mechanical reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of phase angleVSAvoiddowntime for reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the transmission system adjustable rather than fixed. The phase angle between shafts can be dynamically changed by reconfiguring the mechanical linkage components during operation or with minimal downtime, allowing the system to adapt to different vibration characteristics without complete dismantling. This transforms a static mechanical connection into a dynamic, reconfigurable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system is segmented into modular components that can be independently adjusted. Rather than a monolithic locked connection, the system uses separate linkage elements that can be repositioned to change the phase angle, enabling flexibility while maintaining the overall structural integrity and reliable power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If shafts are mechanically locked together to maintain fixed phase angle, then vibration characteristics remain stable, but any adjustment requires dismantling and significant downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of vibration characteristicsVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic adjustability within a stable framework. The mechanical linkage allows for controlled changes in phase angle while maintaining reliable power transmission. Operators can adjust the phase angle to optimize vibration characteristics for different materials or screening conditions without requiring complete system dismantling, thus improving ease of operation while preserving operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operator-friendly and self-contained, allowing personnel to reconfigure the phase angle using simple procedures and components that are readily accessible during maintenance windows, reducing the need for complex dismantling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mechanical linkage is used to couple shafts, then the structure is simple and robust, but the phase angle is fixed and cannot be adapted to varying process requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying process requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of transmission system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into modular, reconfigurable segments rather than a single fixed linkage. This segmentation allows for adjustable phase angles while keeping each individual component relatively simple and robust, balancing adaptability with structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable linkage components that can be repositioned to achieve different phase angles. This adds adaptability to the otherwise simple and robust mechanical structure, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple process requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 quick and easy adjustment of vibration characteristics without the need for downtime or mechanical reconfiguration, improving operational efficiency in material processing applications.

Implementation Method 1

an out-of-balance wheel located coaxially with said first rotatable drive shaft and being rotatable relative to said first drive shaft about said rotational axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUnbalanced mass vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a rotary transmission system coupling the first drive shaft to the wheel in order to transmit rotational movement of the first drive shaft to the wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3581281B1Mechanically adjustable vibratory drive system
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 TEREX GB LTD
  • EP3581281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3581281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3581281B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vibratory drive system comprises a rotatable drive shaft (17A) and an out-of-balance wheel (42) that is coaxial with and rotatable relative to the drive shaft. A rotary transmission system couples the drive shaft to the wheel in order to transmit rotational movement of the drive shaft to the wheel. The rotary transmission system comprises a shaft gear (44), a wheel gear (46), and intermediate gears (48A-F) coupling the shaft gear to the wheel gear. The intermediate gears are carried by a gear carrier (50) that is rotatable relative to the drive shaft, and are rotatable with respect to the gear carrier. The arrangement allows the phase angle of the out-of-balance wheel to be adjusted with respect to the drive shaft.