Centrifugal Rotor Disc Stack with Adjustable Axial Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal separators require new tooling and increased production costs to achieve different axial spacings between discs, as the axial spacing is fixed by the height of spacing elements, making it inefficient to produce disc stacks with varying spacings.
Innovation Solution
The rotor design allows for adjustable axial spacings between discs by using spacing elements that can be positioned relative to each other in specific angular grids or offset angles, enabling multiple gap dimensions without changing the disc design, thus reducing tool costs and allowing for flexible production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new tooling is used to produce discs with different spacing element heights, then different axial spacings between discs can be achieved, but production costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing elements are made movable relative to the disc, allowing their height to be adjusted dynamically. This enables the same disc to achieve different axial spacings by changing the extension position of the spacing element, eliminating the need for multiple disc designs with different fixed spacing element heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of spacing element height from a fixed value (determined during disc manufacturing) to a variable parameter that can be adjusted after manufacturing. This is achieved by providing mechanisms to move the spacing elements axially, allowing the same disc to adapt to different spacing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disc designs with different spacing element heights are produced, then different axial spacings can be achieved, but the number of different parts and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disc is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple functions by combining identical discs with adjustable spacing elements. The same disc design can be used in various configurations to achieve different axial spacings, eliminating the need for multiple specialized disc designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing function is segmented from the disc body, with spacing elements made as separate, movable components. This allows the spacing capability to be adjusted independently of the disc design, enabling gap dimension customization without creating different disc parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spacing elements are made adjustable, then multiple axial spacings can be achieved with identical discs, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing elements are designed to be movable by the assembly process itself or by simple operational actions. The discs can be assembled at different angular positions relative to the rotor, and the spacing elements automatically extend to the appropriate height based on their position, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
This approach enables the production of disc stacks with identical discs to have multiple axial spacings, improving cost efficiency and allowing for customized gap dimensions, enhancing the separation efficiency in centrifugal separators.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal separator (100) having a rotor (1) according to one of the preceding claims
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor of a centrifugal separator, including a central shaft, a plurality of identical discs arranged in a stack on the central shaft, the central shaft having on an outer circumference an engagement contour for a rotationally fixed, axially slidable engagement with a corresponding contour on an inner circumference of the discs, the engagement and corresponding contours engageable with one another in multiple rotational positions at a circumferential distance from one another, and each disc having spacing elements situated at a disc circumferential distance from one another, which spacing elements hold each two adjacent discs at an axial distance from one another, forming an intermediate flow gap having a gap dimension. The spacing elements are formed and configured such that, via different rotational positions relative to one another of adjacent discs, at least two different axial dimensions of the flow gap between adjacent discs may be set.