Clinker Cooler Profile Structure for Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coolers for hot bulk materials, such as cement clinker, have complex structures and large overall heights, leading to increased costs and inefficient use of space, necessitating a more compact design with optimized bearing forces.

Innovation Solution

A cooler with a stationary aeration base and movable conveyor units above, supported by a profile structure that absorbs forces, eliminating the need for additional frame structures and allowing for independent movement of conveyor units, thereby reducing overall size and enhancing space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional frame structures with additional support elements are used, then the cooler has sufficient bearing capacity, but the overall height and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile structure combines multiple functions: it serves as both the support frame and the bearing surface for the aeration base. The aeration base is placed directly on the profile structure, eliminating the need for separate support elements and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The profile structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, serves as a bearing surface for the aeration base, and defines the spatial arrangement of the cooler components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

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

2Strength

If traditional frame structures with additional support elements are used, then the cooler has sufficient bearing capacity, but the overall height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the support function and the aeration base function into a single integrated structure, the overall height is reduced. The aeration base sits directly on the profile structure without requiring additional vertical support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conveying elements are fixed to a rigid frame, then the structure is stable, but the bearing forces are not optimized and the design is less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidbearing force optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying elements are designed to move dynamically along the profile structure rather than being fixed to a rigid frame. This allows the bearing forces to be optimized as the conveying elements can adapt their position and movement pattern, reducing unnecessary structural reinforcements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 compact design results in cost savings and efficient use of space, enabling effective cooling of bulk materials while maintaining optimized bearing forces, facilitating the movement of cement clinker from a rotary kiln to the end of the cooler.

Implementation Method 1

cooling gas flows through it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

cooling gas flows through passages through which cooling gas flows, for example by means of a fan, from below the aeration floor upwards through the aeration floor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3347662B1Cooler for cooling hot bulk material
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 THYSSENKRUPP IND SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP3347662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3347662B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3347662B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooler (10) for cooling bulk material, in particular cement clinker, comprising a stationary aeration floor (12) through which cooling gas can flow, and for receiving the bulk material, at least one conveyor unit (14) having conveying elements (16) arranged above the aeration floor (12), which can be moved back and forth in the conveying direction and against the conveying direction for the transportation of the bulk material, and a drive device (18) for driving the conveying elements (16). The cooler also comprises a profile structure (20), extending in the conveying direction, for receiving the aeration floor (12), and a bearing unit (22) for bearing the conveyor unit (14) on the profile structure (20), such that the conveyor unit (14) can be moved relative to the profile structure (20) in the conveying direction and against the conveying direction.