Air Cooled Rotating Disc Mill Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reducing machines face challenges with heat management, leading to thermal stress, increased costs, and reduced productivity due to water cooling systems, which also contaminate materials and require softer disc materials for safety, limiting the types of materials that can be processed and reducing the service life of discs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air cooling system for both stationary and rotating discs in reducing machines, utilizing air inlets and a carrying plate to enhance airflow and eliminate the need for water cooling, allowing for harder materials to be used and reducing thermal stress, while also doubling the service life of the discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water cooling system is used to cool the stationary disc, then heat dissipation is improved, but the cost increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water cooling system entirely and replaces it with air cooling. The water jacket assembly is extracted from the design, eliminating the associated complexity of water supply, circulation pumps, and leakage management while maintaining cooling functionality through air flow paths integrated into the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical water-based cooling system is replaced with a simpler air-based cooling system. Air flow is generated by the existing fan that creates vacuum for material removal, substituting the complex mechanical water circulation system with a pneumatic approach that leverages existing mechanical components.
2Temperature
If water cooling system is used to cool the stationary disc, then heat dissipation is improved, but rusting and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The water cooling system is removed to eliminate the source of rusting and contamination. By using air instead of water for cooling, the patent prevents water from contacting the disc assembly and input material, thereby eliminating corrosion and contamination issues while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses air as the cooling medium, creating an inert environment that does not promote corrosion or contamination. Air, being non-corrosive and non-contaminating compared to water, provides a safe cooling atmosphere that protects both the disc assembly and input material from water-related damage.
3Temperature
If water cooling is applied to the stationary disc, then heat dissipation is improved, but thermal shock damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The water cooling system is replaced with air cooling, which provides more gradual and less aggressive temperature control. Air's lower thermal conductivity and heat capacity compared to water prevent sudden temperature changes, thereby eliminating thermal shock damage while maintaining effective heat dissipation through the air flow system.
4Temperature
If water cooling system is used, then heat dissipation is improved, but the material selection is limited to softer materials
Solution Approach 1:
The water cooling system is removed to eliminate the constraint on material selection. By using air cooling instead, the patent eliminates the need for softer, water-resistant materials and allows the use of harder, more versatile materials that are better suited for cutting and grinding applications, thereby expanding material selection flexibility.
5Temperature
If water cooling is used during initial heating, then heat dissipation is improved, but heating time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The water cooling system is replaced with air cooling, which allows the system to be turned off during initial heating phases. This enables the reducing machine to reach operating temperature faster without the constraint of continuous water cooling, thereby reducing heating time and increasing productivity during the initial phase.
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 air cooling system reduces thermal stress, decreases operational costs, and allows for faster heating of the machine, improving productivity and enabling the processing of a wider range of materials without contamination or rusting issues.
Implementation Method 1
air enters through the air inlets and passes between the carrying plate and the rotating air cooling surface, to cool the rotating disc
Implementation Method 2
rotating air cooling surface in thermal contact with the rotating cutting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A reducing machine having an air cooled cutting discs is disclosed. The air cooled discs have cutting surfaces on both sides. The cutting surfaces have edges which are sharpened for cutting input material when the cutting surface is facing the cutting surface of the opposed disc. When the cutting surface of the stationary disc is facing the housing, the cutting surface acts as a heat sink to air cool the stationary disc and the mill assembly in general. Air inlets in the housing lid permit air to flow over the cooling surface of the stationary plate. Air inlets in the carrying plate permit the carrying plate to channel air flow over the rotating cooling surface. A damper restricts air flow over the air cooling surfaces to control the temperature of the reducing machine, such as during start up.