Auger Flite Geometry for Vertical Feed Mixer Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical feed mixers face challenges in effectively mixing and chopping feed to uniform particle sizes while also removing metallic contaminants, as the existing screw design can lead to incomplete mixing and may not adequately address the presence of metallic impurities.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a vertically mounted mixing auger with a magnet positioned near the bottom of the tub to capture metallic contaminants and a fliting configuration with angled surfaces that promote longer retention of feed on the auger, enhancing mixing and chopping efficiency by maintaining feed on the flite longer and preventing bridging at the top of the tub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional screw design is used in vertical feed mixers, then the structure is simple, but the mixing uniformity and particle size reduction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is divided into multiple flights (first flight, second flight, third flight) with different configurations. The first flight has a larger pitch for initial feed pickup, while subsequent flights have progressively smaller pitches for incremental mixing and chopping, creating segmented mixing stages that improve uniformity without requiring a completely complex redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the screw have different local properties - the flight pitch varies along the length of the screw, and the flight width changes progressively. This local variation in geometry creates zones of different mixing intensity, allowing the screw to perform multiple functions (pickup, mix, chop) simultaneously in a single component
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional screw design is used, then the device complexity is low, but metallic contaminant removal is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
A magnet is integrated into the mixer assembly, positioned to work in conjunction with the screw. The magnet captures metallic contaminants in the feed stream, merging the functions of mixing and metal removal into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet acts as an intermediary element that intercepts metallic contaminants before they enter the feed mixing process. By positioning the magnet strategically, it removes harmful metals without interfering with the primary mixing function of the screw
3Productivity
If the screw rotates quickly to improve mixing speed, then productivity increases, but feed bridging at the top of the tub occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flight configuration is designed to dynamically interact with the feed material - the varying pitch and width create a dynamic mixing action that prevents feed from consolidating at the top. The geometry ensures that feed is continuously moved and redistributed during rotation, preventing bridging even at high rotational speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of feed bridging (a two-dimensional surface issue at the tub top) is addressed by creating three-dimensional mixing action through the multi-flight screw design. The varying flight geometries create vertical and radial movement patterns that disrupt feed consolidation at the top surface, preventing bridging formation
4Manufacturing precision
If the fliting retention time is increased to improve mixing, then mixing uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight geometry parameters (pitch, width, angle) are systematically varied along the length of the screw to optimize retention time. By changing these parameters progressively rather than using uniform geometry, the design achieves extended retention and improved mixing without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple components
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 solution improves the uniformity of feed mixing and chopping, effectively removes metallic contaminants, and reduces the occurrence of feed bridging, leading to more efficient and safer operation of the vertical feed mixer.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet positioned near the bottom of the tub to capture metallic contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
An auger for a vertical feed mixer with a lifting surface that is upwardly angle from an inner edge toward an outer edge. A fliting portion to form a part of an auger for a vertical feed mixer, the fliting portion including an outer edge that is positioned higher than a radially positioned inner edge. An auger for a vertical feed mixer that in rotation defines an hourglass shape.