Handling Device for Agitator Bead Mill Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The maintenance of agitator ball mills, particularly with larger grinding containers, is hindered by the weight and size of the components, making it difficult to dismantle and transport parts for servicing, as existing solutions require auxiliary frames and manual handling which is labor-intensive and risky.

Innovation Solution

A handling device with a transport means and receiving units that can be adjusted in height and used independently, allowing for easier positioning and storage of machine parts, including a scissor lift mechanism and receiving troughs for grinding media, facilitating the removal and transport of heavy components like the grinding container and agitator shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If auxiliary frames are used to transport grinding chamber base and chamber, then the weight problem is partially addressed, but the maintenance process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of grinding chamber base and chamberVSAvoidcomplexity of maintenance process
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate auxiliary frames into a single integrated handling device that can transport both the grinding chamber base and chamber simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate tools needed and simplifies the maintenance process while maintaining the ability to handle heavy components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks: transporting the grinding chamber base, transporting the grinding chamber, and providing temporary storage for disassembled parts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized auxiliary frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple auxiliary frames are used for transporting different parts, then each part can be handled separately, but the overall maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of handling individual partsVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device merges the functionality of multiple auxiliary frames into one unit, allowing operators to transport multiple parts (grinding chamber base, chamber, and other components) simultaneously or in sequence without switching between different auxiliary frames, thereby reducing total maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling device includes a receiving unit that can temporarily store disassembled parts in designated positions. This preliminary storage arrangement allows operators to prepare and organize components before reassembly, streamlining the maintenance workflow and reducing time losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the handling device integrates receiving unit and transport means, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in handling configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of integrated device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a receiving unit for holding parts and a transport means for movement. These modules are detachably connected, allowing them to be used independently or together. This segmentation provides operational flexibility while keeping each module relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connection between the receiving unit and transport means creates a dynamic system that can adapt to different operational requirements. The components can be configured in different states (connected or separated) depending on the specific maintenance task, enhancing versatility without permanently increasing complexity.

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

The handling device simplifies the maintenance process by enabling the safe and efficient dismantling and transport of heavy machine parts, reducing the risk of injury and improving operational efficiency by allowing single-device handling of multiple components.

Implementation Method 1

a scissor lift mechanism (17) for adjusting the height of the horizontal support surface (15) of the transport device (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3075452B1Handling device for maintenance of agitator bead mills and method for performing maintenance on an agitator bead mill
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 NETZSCH FEINMAHL TECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3075452B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3075452B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3075452B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling device for the maintenance of stirred ball mills with a horizontally arranged grinding container. The handling device comprises a transport means and at least one receiving unit for machine parts of a stirred ball mill, wherein the transport means is detachably connected to the receiving unit. The invention further relates to a method for maintaining a stirred ball mill using the aforementioned handling device.