Cassette Grinding Device With Flexible Claw Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing comminution devices are large, costly to maintain, and difficult to integrate into existing production facilities and pneumatic conveyor systems, with complex assembly and high downtimes, and lack efficient dust management and cleaning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A compact comminution device with a laterally mounted and easily replaceable cutting unit designed as a cassette, utilizing a flexible claw coupling and prism-like cutting blades, and an air-based dust cleaning system, allowing for easy integration into pneumatic systems and minimal downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the stator and cutting rotor are installed as individual components in the device housing, then the device can be assembled with standard components, but the assembly and disassembly for maintenance become complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly with standard componentsVSAvoiddowntime for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a housing and a separate, self-contained cutting unit that includes the cutting rotor, stator, and drive mechanism. This modular design allows the cutting unit to be easily removed and replaced as a single assembly, dramatically reducing maintenance downtime while still allowing the housing to be manufactured with standard components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting rotor, stator, and drive mechanism are merged into a single integrated cutting unit assembly. This combination allows the entire cutting mechanism to be replaced as one unit, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing the time required for service while maintaining the benefits of standardized housing manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the cutting unit is designed as a compact integrated assembly, then the device takes up less space and can be easily integrated into existing conveying routes, but the complexity of the integrated unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidintegrated unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex cutting mechanism is segmented into a standardized, self-contained module that functions as a complete unit. This segmentation allows the complex internal components to be organized in a compact arrangement while presenting a simple, standardized interface for installation and replacement, reducing both physical size and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated cutting unit is designed as a universal module that can be applied to various conveyor system configurations and material types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for integration into existing conveying routes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If the cutting blades are mounted individually in the cutting rotor, then the blades can be replaced separately, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and requires readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade replacement capabilityVSAvoidoperational interruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting blades are merged with the cutting rotor and stator into a single non-serviceable cutting unit assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate blade replacement procedures, as the entire assembly is replaced as one unit, thereby eliminating readjustment requirements and minimizing operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting unit assembly is designed as a relatively inexpensive, easily replaceable component. By making the entire cutting assembly affordable and simple to replace, the system favors complete assembly replacement over complex individual blade servicing, reducing maintenance time and operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 high material throughput with reduced maintenance and operational interruptions, effective dust management, and easy cleaning, enabling efficient recycling of materials without major adjustments to existing facilities.

Implementation Method 1

A flexible claw coupling is preferred for this purpose, which dampens impacts and vibrations that occur during the crushing of the material.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

During the cutting process, air is compressed in the manner of a turbine and blown into the necessary air gap between the side parts and the bearings, so that they are cleaned of the resulting cutting dust.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbine compression: Turbine

Data Source

PatentEP2586532B1Grinding device
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 MULLER FREDY
  • EP2586532B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2586532B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2586532B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The grinding device (1) has a housing (2) with a lateral inlet opening for the filling material and an opposite outlet opening for the grinded filling material. A stator (20) with a centrally mounted cutting rotor (30) and a cutting knife (32) is arranged in the housing. The stator and the cutting rotor are formed as a replaceable cutting unit (10), which is fixed in the housing in a laterally displaced manner.