Continuous Clay Mixing Device with Parallel Side Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mixing clay with water are inefficient, requiring separate machines for mixing and transporting, leading to inconsistent mixtures, increased drying time, and potential flow issues when applied thickly, due to the need for continuous operation interruption and separate machinery for mixing and conveying.
Innovation Solution
A device with a storage and mixing container featuring a dosing and discharge shaft and a side shaft for continuous mixing and conveying, where water is evenly distributed and coordinated with the discharge to maintain a consistent clay-water mixture, allowing for continuous operation and improved adhesion and drying speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clay is mixed with water in a compulsory mixer and then transported separately, then the mixing and conveying functions are performed, but continuous operation is prevented and mixing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mixing function and conveying function into a single device. The mixing container is equipped with both mixing means (rotating shaft with mixing elements) and conveying means (screw conveyor or similar mechanism) that operate simultaneously, allowing continuous mixing and conveying without interruption or separate machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mixing chamber and the conveying device. The rotating shaft performs dual functions of mixing the clay-water mixture and simultaneously conveying it through the container, eliminating the need for separate mixing and conveying equipment.
2Productivity
If a large amount of clay is mixed with water in the mixing tub to reduce emptying frequency, then emptying occurs less frequently, but even mixing becomes more difficult and mixing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing means consists of a rotating shaft with mixing elements that dynamically process the clay-water mixture. The continuous rotation and movement of mixing elements ensure uniform mixing even when large amounts of clay are processed, preventing stagnation and promoting consistent mixing throughout the batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing and conveying operations occur continuously throughout the process. The rotating shaft continuously mixes while the conveying mechanism simultaneously transports the mixture, ensuring that mixing action is maintained throughout the entire volume of clay without interruption, thereby achieving uniform mixing even in large batches.
3Ease of operation
If clay is mixed thinly with water to enable pump transport through hose lines, then pumpability is achieved, but drying time increases and flow issues occur when applied thickly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables processing of clay-water mixtures with optimized water content that would be too thick for conventional pump transport. The intensive mixing action creates a homogeneous mixture with improved flow characteristics, allowing thicker mixtures to be pumped effectively while maintaining adequate consistency for application without excessive drying time.
4Productivity
If two separate machines are used for mixing and conveying, then mixing and conveying functions are performed, but operation, cleaning, and servicing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both mixing and conveying functions into a single machine. The mixing container houses both the mixing shaft and the conveying mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mixing machines and conveying equipment, thereby reducing operational and maintenance complexity while maintaining full functional capability.
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
Ensures a consistently homogeneous and viscous clay-water mixture, enabling continuous processing and reducing power consumption by half compared to conventional solutions, while allowing for single-machine operation and improved application characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the material to be mixed is loosened, mixed and kept in motion by the simultaneous rotary movement of at least one side shaft mounted parallel and above the dosing and discharge shaft
Implementation Method 2
a mixed material is fed to a conveying device by means of a metering and discharge shaft arranged in the lower region of a storage and mixing container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The method involves feeding a mixture by a dosing- and discharge shaft (6) of a conveying unit (16), where the dosing- and discharge shaft is arranged in lower area of a supplying- and mixing container. The mixture is mixed by a side shaft (9) that is supported parallel and above the dosing- and discharge shaft. The mixture is added evenly with mixing water in a distributed manner. An independent claim is also included for a device for executing a continuous mixing method.