Bucket Wheel Blade Pivoting Mechanism for Automated Direction Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bucket wheel systems for stockpile mining require manual operation for blade direction change, leading to high risk, downtime, and inefficiency, as they lack automated mechanisms for reliable and swift pivoting of blades, which hampers continuous operation and increases maintenance risks.
Innovation Solution
A bucket wheel design featuring a stationary inner ring and a rotatable outer ring with blades pivotably connected via a fixed axis, utilizing an adjusting ring and guide pins for controlled pivoting, allowing automatic and simultaneous movement of multiple blades between end positions, reducing manual intervention and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation is used for blade direction change, then the system structure can be simple, but the operation risk increases and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The blade automatic pivoting mechanism enables the system to perform blade direction change autonomously without manual intervention. The guide pins automatically guide the blades through the pivoting motion, and the locking mechanism automatically secures blades in end positions, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy blades and thereby reducing operation risk while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins are pre-positioned to define the pivoting path of the blades before the actual direction change occurs. The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage at predetermined end positions, ensuring blades are securely locked before operation resumes. This preliminary preparation eliminates downtime and prevents operational accidents
2Device complexity
If manual blade changeover is performed, then the mechanism can be simple, but production loss increases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pivoting mechanism performs blade direction change without requiring operator intervention or system shutdown. The guide pins and locking mechanism work autonomously to reposition and secure blades, enabling continuous operation and eliminating production loss associated with manual blade changeover
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism enables continuous blade pivoting action during direction change. The guide pins maintain constant contact with the blades throughout the pivoting motion, and the locking mechanism engages continuously at end positions, ensuring uninterrupted operation and maximizing productivity
3Device complexity
If manual blade handling is used, then equipment cost can be lower, but the risk of damage and failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pivoting mechanism eliminates manual handling of blades, which are heavy and prone to damage. The guide pins and locking mechanism automatically control blade motion and positioning, preventing improper handling and reducing the risk of blade damage and subsequent system failure
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins are pre-positioned to define the exact pivoting path, and the locking mechanism is designed to engage at precise end positions. This preliminary setup ensures blades are correctly positioned and secured before operation, preventing damage from misalignment or improper locking
4Reliability
If automated blade pivoting is implemented, then operation safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pivoting mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: guide pins for motion guidance, locking mechanisms for position securing, and actuation systems for driving pivoting. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and specialized, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high safety through automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pins act as intermediaries between the blade and the pivoting mechanism, automatically guiding blade motion without requiring complex control systems. The locking mechanism serves as an intermediary to automatically secure blades at end positions, simplifying the overall system while ensuring safe operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bucket wheel (1) in particular for continuously removing material from a bulk material heap, the wheel comprising a fixed inner ring (2), an outer ring (3) that can turn relative to the inner ring, a retaining ring (5) that can be locked to the outer ring, and at least one pivotable bucket (4), wherein the retaining ring, when locked, holds each bucket in an end position in which it rests against the outer ring, and, when said retaining ring is unlocked from the outer ring, turning of the outer ring relative to the retaining ring allows a pivoting movement of each bucket about its pivot axis (44). The present invention further provides a bridge bucket wheel device comprising a trolley (10) mounted on a bridge and a bucket wheel of this kind, and a method for pivoting at least one bucket of a bucket wheel of this kind.