Bucket Wheel Changeover Using Detachable Operating Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bucket wheel machine maintenance processes are time-consuming and pose safety risks due to the need for crane operations, leading to prolonged downtime and potential hazards.

Innovation Solution

A bucket wheel machine system with a detachable operating block and support frame that allows simultaneous removal and replacement of components like the bucket wheel, chute, and drive, eliminating the need for cranes by supporting the weight of the operating block during maintenance using a support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the bucket wheel, chute, and drive are removed and replaced separately using crane operations, then the maintenance can be performed, but the maintenance time is prolonged and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bucket wheel, chute, and drive into a single integrated operating block that can be removed and replaced as one unit. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate crane operations for each component, significantly reducing maintenance downtime while maintaining ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the bucket wheel machine into modular components: the operating block (containing bucket wheel, chute, and drive) and the base. This segmentation allows the operating block to be detached and replaced independently, enabling faster maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If crane operations are used to lift and position the bucket wheel and components, then the heavy components can be handled, but safety risks for surrounding people and equipment increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent handling capabilityVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the bucket wheel, chute, and drive into a single operating block, the patent reduces the number of separate lifting operations required. This consolidation minimizes the exposure of surrounding people and equipment to crane operations, thereby reducing safety risks while maintaining the ability to handle heavy components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the operating block is detached from the base, then the components can be replaced faster, but the operating block requires support during removal and installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance speedVSAvoidsupport structure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element that assists in the removal and installation of the operating block. This support structure provides the necessary stability and guidance during the transition states, enabling faster maintenance operations without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3837397B1Apparatus and method for changing bucket wheels
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES PTY LTD
  • EP3837397B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3837397B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3837397B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a bucket wheel machine 100 comprising a base 102 and an operating block 104. The operating block comprises a bucket wheel 106, a bearing 112,114, and at least one of a ring chute 120, a bucket wheel chute 108, and a bucket wheel drive 116. The operating block 104 is detachably attached to the base of the bucket wheel machine 102. The operating block 104 also comprises a support frame 130 which is connected to the bearing 112,114.