Closure Assembly for Agitator Mill Bore

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for closing openings in fastening elements in agitator mills are inadequate in preventing wear and unauthorized loosening, often leading to corrosion, debris accumulation, and difficulty in maintenance due to the accumulation of ground material and grinding bodies.

Innovation Solution

A closure arrangement with a radially widened end section and recesses that securely engage a closure element or unit, preventing axial movement and ensuring the closure element cannot be removed without destruction, while being designed for easy assembly and using wear-resistant materials to protect against wear and unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the opening for the fastening element is closed to prevent wear and corrosion, then the reliability and service life of the fastening element is improved, but the closure element may deform or the chrome layer may flake off during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against wear and corrosionVSAvoidinstallation damage to closure element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element is pre-chilled to reduce its temperature before installation. This preliminary action prevents thermal expansion during pressing, avoiding deformation of the closure element and flaking of the chrome layer while still achieving secure closure and protection against wear and corrosion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature parameter of the closure element is changed by chilling it before installation. This parameter change reduces thermal expansion and prevents damage during the pressing operation, resolving the contradiction between secure closure and installation damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the closure element is pressed into the bore to secure it, then the closure is fixed reliably, but unwanted deformation occurs and durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of closure elementVSAvoidservice life of closure element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Chilling the closure element before installation is a preliminary action that prevents thermal expansion during pressing. This ensures reliable fixation through secure pressing while avoiding deformation that would reduce service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chilling process provides beforehand cushioning by reducing the closure element's temperature and thermal expansion tendency before the pressing operation. This cushioning prevents deformation and chrome layer flaking, preserving the service life of the closure element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2932138B1Closure assembly for an opening
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 NETZSCH FEINMAHL TECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2932138B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2932138B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2932138B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly for closing an opening (15), in particular for closing a bore (15) for a fastening element (125) in a grinding chamber (160) of an agitator mill (55), wherein the opening (15) for receiving a closure element (5) or a closure unit (30) has a radially expanded end segment (100) by means of which the opening (15) can be effectively and securely closed. To this end, according to the invention, at least one recess (45, 50) is radially introduced or formed in the area of the end segment (100), and the closure element (5) or the closure unit (30) is in engagement with the recess (45, 50) by way of connecting means (40), wherein at least one recess (45, 50) for the closure element (5) or the closure unit (30) brings about a stop in an axial direction.