Auger Support Assembly with Triple Seal Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screw conveyor systems in the blast cleaning industry face challenges with assembly and disassembly, deflection issues at screw couplings, and contamination of bearings by abrasive materials, which affect the proper functioning and longevity of the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A triple seal ball bearing assembly with paired hub assemblies and resilient properties is used to support and couple screw sections, featuring a rotating shaft keyed to the hub assemblies, with outward extending blades and a resilient mass for angular orientation, and multiple seals to prevent debris entry into the bearings, along with a design that increases the pitch of screw flights to accelerate abrasive materials and keep them out of the bearing assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a support and coupling assembly is used to connect screw sections, then the screw conveyor can operate with long screw flights (up to 25 feet), but the assembly is susceptible to contamination by abrasive materials entering the bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism (multiple seals including lip seals and labyrinth seals) between the bearing assembly and the external environment. These seals act as mediators that prevent abrasive blast cleaning materials from directly contacting the ball bearings, thereby protecting the bearing assembly while allowing the long screw flight to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support and coupling assembly is divided into multiple sealed compartments and sections. The bearing assembly is separated from the external contaminated environment through multiple sealing barriers, with each seal providing an additional layer of protection. This segmentation allows the long screw flight to operate while isolating the sensitive bearing components from contamination.
2Length of moving object
If a support and coupling assembly is used to connect screw sections, then the screw conveyor can operate with long screw flights, but the assembly becomes complex and difficult to assemble and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The support and coupling assembly is designed as a modular segmented structure where the bearing assembly, hub assemblies, and screw flight sections can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and assembly despite the overall complexity required to support long screw flights.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub assemblies are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as coupling elements to connect screw flights and as mounting structures for the bearing assemblies. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process while still supporting the required long screw flight length.
3Length of moving object
If a support and coupling assembly is used to connect screw sections, then the screw conveyor can operate with long screw flights, but deflection occurs at the coupling points affecting proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates resilient elements and precision-engineered bearing assemblies that provide beforehand cushioning against deflection forces. The multiple seals and precision bearings are pre-installed to compensate for potential deflection and misalignment issues that would occur at the coupling points of long screw flights, thereby maintaining coupling stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical couplings with a more advanced bearing assembly system that includes precision ball bearings and resilient mounting elements. This substitution reduces deflection by providing smoother rotation and better load distribution at the coupling points, maintaining stability despite the long screw flight length.
4Reliability
If multiple seals are added to prevent debris entry, then bearing protection is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent seal units (lip seals, labyrinth seals) that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the bearing housing. This segmentation allows each seal type to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to a single complex sealed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple seals serve as intermediary protective layers that can be independently manufactured and tested before final assembly. Each seal acts as a separate barrier that can be produced using standard sealing manufacturing processes, thereby improving bearing protection without requiring a single overly complex manufacturing operation.
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 enhances the assembly and disassembly process, reduces deflection, and effectively prevents contamination, ensuring low friction rotation and prolonged assembly performance by using a triple seal ball bearing assembly and increasing the speed of abrasive materials to prevent entry into the bearings, thus maintaining the assembly's functionality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
A multiple seal ball bearing assembly is provided for preventing debris and other matter from getting into the ball bearings of the assembly
Implementation Method 2
A resilient mass holds the blades in angular orientation with one another. The outer body of the hub assemblies each engage a screw flight, one of the screw flights being rotated, providing torque through the resilient mass to the hub center and shaft
Implementation Method 3
A multiple seal ball bearing assembly is provided for preventing debris and other matter from getting into the ball bearings of the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A support and coupling assembly for a moving screw auger that is used to move grit, such as grit that is used in the blast cleaning industry. The support and coupling assembly includes a hanger bearing assembly with a hanger bearing bracket with an end for engaging a support surface, such as a wall or a ceiling, and a removed end. A roller bearing engages the removed end of the hanger bracket and a shaft is press fit into the roller bearing. A pair of hub assemblies with flights engages the shaft and rotates with the shaft. Connector assemblies engage the hub assemblies to connect the hub assemblies to screw portions on either side of the hanger bearing assembly. The flights on the connector assemblies will cause the grit to speed up as it moves from the screw portion to the connector assembly.