Agitator Drive Unit Separation Tool With Axial and Swivel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing drive units from agitator systems are cumbersome, risky, and prone to damage or injury due to uncontrolled movements, especially when the rotary shaft is not vertically oriented, and often require costly overhead cranes that may not be feasible.
Innovation Solution
A separation tool with a first and second bracket connected by a connection shaft, utilizing longitudinal and rotational gear assemblies to safely and controllably separate the drive unit from the rotary shaft assembly, allowing for movement and swiveling along and about the shaft's axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an overhead crane is used to lift and move the drive unit, then the drive unit can be removed and reinstalled, but the cost increases and space requirements are not always met
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead crane system is segmented into a portable bridge assembly that can be disassembled and reconfigured. The bridge assembly includes end assemblies with spreader bars that can be detached, allowing the system to be transported and set up in locations without permanent crane infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable bridge assembly acts as an intermediary device between the drive unit and the surrounding environment. This intermediate structure provides the necessary lifting capability without requiring permanent overhead crane installation, bridging the gap between available space and lifting requirements.
2Device complexity
If a dedicated jack is used to fold away the drive unit, then equipment cost is reduced, but the risk of damaging the interface between drive unit and rotary shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader bar system distributes the load weight across multiple attachment points on the drive unit. This weight distribution prevents concentrated forces that could damage the interface between the drive unit and rotary shaft, while still enabling effective removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates controlled movement capabilities that prevent sudden or uncontrolled dropping of the drive unit. The gear assemblies and winch mechanisms provide controlled descent and positioning, cushioning against impacts that could damage interfaces during the removal and reinstallation process.
3Volume of moving object
If the rotary shaft extends in a non-vertical direction, then space utilization is improved, but the difficulty of removing and reassembling the drive unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable bridge assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through its gear assemblies and winch systems. This allows the system to adapt to various shaft orientations (vertical, horizontal, or angled) by adjusting the position and angle of the spreader bars, making drive unit removal feasible regardless of shaft direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable bridge assembly is designed as a universal lifting system that can handle drive units on rotary shafts with various orientations. The adjustable spreader bars and multiple attachment points enable the same equipment to effectively remove and reinstall drive units whether the shaft is vertical, horizontal, or at any angle in between.
4Power
If the drive unit weight is significant, then motor power is sufficient, but safety risks for personnel increase during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader bar system distributes the significant weight of the drive unit across multiple attachment points and load paths. This weight distribution reduces the mechanical stress on any single component and minimizes the risk of sudden failures or uncontrolled movements that could endanger personnel during removal operations.
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 safe, controlled, and cost-effective separation of drive units from rotary shaft assemblies, reducing the risk of damage and injury, and eliminating the need for overhead cranes by allowing for precise manipulation regardless of shaft orientation.
Implementation Method 1
the tool comprises a longitudinal gear assembly configured to, when actuated, move the first bracket in relation to the second bracket along a longitudinal axis of the connection shaft
Implementation Method 2
the tool comprises a rotational gear assembly configured to, when actuated, rotate the first bracket in relation to the second bracket about the longitudinal axis of the connection shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a separation tool (100) for separating a drive unit (11) from a rotary shaft assembly (20) of an agitator system (10). The tool (100) comprises a first bracket (102) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20), and a second bracket (152) configured to be attached to, or being integrally formed with, the other one of the drive unit (11) and the rotary shaft assembly (20). The first bracket (102) is movably connected to the second bracket (152). The tool (100) comprises a longitudinal gear assembly (120) configured to, when actuated, move the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) along a longitudinal axis (LA) of a connection shaft (104) movably connecting the first and second brackets (102, 152). The tool comprises a rotational gear assembly (130) configured to, when actuated, rotate the first bracket (102) in relation to the second bracket (152) about the longitudinal axis (LA).