Balling Machine with Reciprocating Scraper for Aggregate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balling machines lack control over ball size, binder material addition, and often require pre-mixing of binder with fine material, making it difficult to efficiently recycle fine waste material into usable aggregates.
Innovation Solution
A balling machine with a rotatable tube and internal scraper that allows circumferential ridges to build up, along with an internal mixing device for improved material mixing, and adjustable features for controlling the addition of binder and water, enabling precise control over the agglomeration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional balling machine is used to agglomerate fine material, then the material can be formed into balls, but the size of the balls produced is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper is designed to reciprocate (move back and forth) within the rotatable tube, creating dynamic movement that allows material to build up in controlled ridges. This dynamic adjustment of material distribution enables precise control over ball size while maintaining operational simplicity through automated reciprocating motion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the tube interior by allowing circumferential ridges to build up on the internal surface. This parameter change in the tube's effective geometry provides controlled nucleation sites for ball formation, enabling precise size control without complex operational adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If binder material is added to fine material in traditional balling machines, then agglomeration can occur, but the addition of binder and water is difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The internal mixing device performs preliminary mixing of binder and water with the fine material before the balling process begins. This preliminary action ensures uniform distribution of binding agents, enabling precise control over agglomeration without requiring complex real-time adjustment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mixing function and balling function into a single integrated system. The internal mixing device combines binder, water, and fine material within the rotatable tube, eliminating the need for separate mixing equipment and simplifying the overall device while maintaining precise control
3Manufacturing precision
If binder material is pre-mixed with fine material in traditional balling machines, then the mixing can be thorough, but it requires additional pre-processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the mixing operation with the balling operation in a single continuous process within the rotatable tube. The internal mixing device activates during the balling process itself, eliminating separate pre-mixing steps while maintaining thorough mixing uniformity through the tumbling and mixing action of the rotating tube
Solution Approach 2:
The balling process becomes continuous as mixing and agglomeration occur simultaneously in one operation. The internal mixing device operates continuously during the rotation and balling process, eliminating idle time between mixing and balling stages while maintaining consistent material uniformity
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 allows for consistent and uniform aggregate production with improved control over particle size and distribution, reducing waste and increasing efficiency in recycling fine materials into usable aggregates.
Implementation Method 1
the scraper allows, as the scraper reciprocates in use, a build-up of circumferential ridges of material on an internal surface of the rotatable tube
Implementation Method 2
Tumbling the fine material and the binder material initially causes the small particles of fine material to gather together into slightly larger particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a balling machine for use in the manufacture of aggregate. The machine comprises a rotatable tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. An internal mixing device is disposed within the rotatable tube. The mixing device comprises movable elements that are disposed in a lower region of the rotatable tube and are drivingly movable relative to the rotatable tube. A method of balling material using the balling machine is also disclosed. The present invention also provides a method of indicating the position of an underground utility. The method comprises providing aggregate proximate the underground utility, wherein the aggregate has a colour which is in contrast to the colour of the local underground environment. Also disclosed is an underground arrangement comprising an underground utility and a volume of aggregate having a colour which is in contrast to the colour of the local underground environment.