Bituminous Concrete Drum Mixer With Independent Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asphalt preparation devices face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to heat loss during aggregate transfer and limited mixing speed flexibility, which affects the thermal efficiency and quality of the asphalt production process.
Innovation Solution
A continuous asphalt preparation device with a rotatable drum and independently rotating mixer surrounded by a thermal envelope that maintains heat and allows adjustable mixing speeds, enabling efficient energy use and precise introduction of materials through ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aggregates are transferred from drum to mixer, then mixing can proceed, but heat is lost during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drum and mixer into a single integrated unit, eliminating the transfer step between separate components. The mixer is positioned inside the drum, allowing aggregates to be mixed in situ without being transferred to a separate mixer, thus preventing heat loss during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal envelope as an intermediary structure that surrounds both the drum and mixer. This thermal envelope acts as a heat-preserving intermediary that maintains temperature during the mixing process, compensating for any heat loss that occurs.
2Device complexity
If mixer speed is tied to drum rotation speed, then structure is simplified, but mixing speed flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation systems by providing the mixer with an independent rotation mechanism separate from the drum. The drum rotates about its longitudinal axis while the mixer can rotate independently about its own axis, allowing different rotation speeds and directions for optimal mixing of various materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the mixer rotation speed to be independently adjusted from the drum rotation speed. This enables the system to adapt to different mixing requirements for various materials and production conditions, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 device achieves improved thermal efficiency by minimizing heat loss and allowing adaptable mixing speeds, reducing energy requirements and enhancing the quality of the asphalt production process while reducing harmful emissions.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal envelope makes it possible both to maintain the heat in the drum and to use it to heat the mixer
Implementation Method 2
The thermal envelope makes it possible both to maintain the heat in the drum and to use it to heat the mixer
Implementation Method 3
a rotating drum equipped with a burner placed on its axis of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has a drum (12) mounted in a rotating manner around a longitudinal axis, and a mixer (18) is arranged below the drum. A thermal cover (14) surrounds the drum, on part of its length, at place where flame (f) is found, where the flame is produced by a burner. The mixer has shafts (182) that are driven in rotation by a motorized assembly. Each shaft has blades (183) to mix products introduced in the mixer (18), where speed of mixing is adjusted independent of speed of rotation of the drum to adapt mixing of additive introduced in the mixer. An independent claim is also included for a method for preparing bituminous concrete without interruption using bituminous concrete preparing device.