Cutting Blade Assembly With Angled Slots for Debris Shearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting blade assemblies in grinder pumps and similar applications face challenges with efficient processing and jam-free operation due to diverse debris types, including stringy, resilient, and hard objects that can clog or damage the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cutting blade assembly design featuring a disk-shaped cutting plate with circumferentially spaced cutting slots and a cutting hub that provides both axial and radial cutting actions, utilizing a scissor-type shearing mechanism with angled and undercut surfaces to minimize torque and prevent debris entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive motor torque is increased to handle diverse debris, then the ability to process resilient and hard debris is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade assembly is segmented into multiple cutting elements (first cutting blade with first cutting edge, second cutting blade with second cutting edge) that are spatially distributed. This segmentation allows the debris to be cut by multiple edges in sequence, reducing the torque required by the motor compared to a single large cutting edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension to the cutting action by positioning cutting blades at different radial distances from the axis of rotation. The first cutting blade is positioned at a first radial distance and the second cutting blade at a second radial distance, creating a multi-dimensional cutting path that reduces the force required at any single point.
2Strength
If the cutting blade assembly is strengthened to handle hard debris, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade assembly is divided into multiple separate cutting blades rather than one large robust blade. Each cutting blade can be optimized for strength and durability independently, and they are positioned at different radial distances to handle different types of debris, reducing the overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cutting blades are positioned at different radial distances from the axis of rotation, with each blade having specific properties optimized for its location. The first cutting blade at the first radial distance and the second cutting blade at the second radial distance can have different geometries and material properties suited to their specific operating conditions.
3Productivity
If the allowable particle size is increased to process larger debris, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of jamming and clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting slots are segmented into multiple smaller openings rather than one large opening. This segmentation allows larger debris to be broken down by multiple cutting edges positioned at different radial distances, enabling the processing of larger particles while maintaining reliable operation without jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension to the cutting slots, positioning them at different radial distances from the axis of rotation. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows debris to be cut at multiple radial positions, increasing the allowable particle size that can be processed while reducing the risk of clogging.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting slots are added to process diverse debris, then the versatility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting plate is segmented into multiple cutting slots positioned at different radial distances, with each slot having a specific geometry optimized for its location. This segmentation allows the assembly to handle diverse debris types while the modular nature of the slots makes them easier to manufacture with standard precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cutting slot is designed with local quality appropriate to its radial position, with the first cutting slot at the first radial distance having different geometric properties than the second cutting slot at the second radial distance. This allows each slot to be optimized for its specific operating conditions while maintaining overall versatility.
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 design enhances efficiency and reduces the risk of jamming by maintaining a consistent inlet area, minimizing torque requirements, and effectively processing debris without clogging, achieving a particle size reduction of up to ⅛ inch by ⅛ inch.
Implementation Method 1
The design enhances efficiency and reduces the risk of jamming by maintaining a consistent inlet area, minimizing torque requirements, and effectively processing debris without clogging, achieving a particle size reduction of up to ⅛ inch by ⅛ inch
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting blade assembly including a cutting plate, a plurality of cutting slots formed in the cutting plate, and a cutting hub. The cutting plate includes an axial face and a central opening. The plurality of cutting slots are circumferentially spaced about the central opening. Each of the plurality of cutting slots intersects the axial face and defines a respective axial cutting edge at an intersection of each of plurality of cutting slots and the axial face. Each of the plurality of cutting slots defines a base surface that is nonparallel to the axial face. The cutting hub is positioned in the central opening and has a cutting arm adjacent to the axial face.