Segmented Brush Roller Carrier Ring Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing brush units for centrifugal blasting systems are difficult to assemble and disassemble due to screw connections that are challenging in cramped and dusty environments, requiring multiple people and causing issues with stuck connections and heavy segments.

Innovation Solution

A brush unit with a plug-in connection using pin or rod elements aligned parallel to the central axis, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly with a snap-in mechanism and reduced weight through plastic carrier ring segments, facilitating single-person operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screw connections are used to join brush unit parts, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming in cramped and dusty environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit is divided into multiple segments (first and second parts) that can be easily separated. The carrier ring is segmented into sections that can be independently removed, allowing the brush unit to be disassembled into manageable pieces for easy handling in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting elements are designed to be extractable from the brush unit structure. The pins can be removed from the connecting elements to separate the brush unit parts, and the connecting elements themselves can be taken out and stored separately, simplifying the disassembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If solid segments are used for the brush unit, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the weight becomes very high making single-person handling impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidbrush unit weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit is divided into multiple lightweight segments connected by pins and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each part to be much lighter than a solid equivalent, enabling single-person handling while maintaining overall structural strength through the pinned connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brush unit combines different materials (metal pins, plastic or metal carrier rings, bristle elements) to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The connecting elements use materials that provide sufficient strength while minimizing weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of repair

If the entire brush roller is removed to change brush units, then the brush unit replacement is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush unit replacement easeVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit is designed as a self-contained segmented module that can be independently removed from the brush roller without affecting the entire roller structure. The carrier ring segments can be detached and the brush unit replaced as a modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brush unit can be extracted from the brush roller as a separate component. The connecting elements allow the brush unit to be pulled out and removed without disassembling the entire roller, enabling quick replacement in confined spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the brush unit is made as a single solid piece, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the assembly requires multiple people and is difficult to position in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit is divided into multiple parts (carrier ring segments, bristle elements, connecting elements) that are simple in individual design but combine to form a structurally sound complete unit. Each segment is easy to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3266343B1Brush unit for a brush roller for an abrasive blasting installation
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 WHEELABRATOR GROUP GMBH
  • EP3266343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3266343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a brush unit (10) for a brush roller (100) for a centrifugal blasting system, at least two support rings (11) are provided, which are divisible into at least two support ring segments (12) and which have a plurality of outwardly opening recesses (14) on their circumference, in each of which a brush strip element (20) is inserted. The support ring segments (12) are connected via a connecting element (30) that overlaps the separation point (T). The support ring segments (12) and the connecting elements (30) attached to them have congruent connecting recesses (14; 31) and are connected by pin elements (23) inserted into the connecting recesses (14; 31).