Comminution Tool Cover with Tapered Gap for Workpiece Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comminution devices inefficiently utilize energy and often result in workpiece jamming due to improper alignment of the workpiece feed and crushing tool, leading to uncontrolled ejection of workpieces and increased energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
The comminution device is designed with an inclined workpiece feed plane and a cover that extends to the apex of the crushing tool's movement circle, featuring a continuously tapering gap between the crushing tool and the cover, ensuring workpieces are accelerated directly onto a screen and minimizing energy consumption by maintaining the workpiece within the device's influence until the desired size is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the workpiece is fed from above to the crushing tool with screens arranged below, then the structure is simple, but the workpiece cannot be accelerated directly against the screen resulting in energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a vertical top-feed configuration to a side-feed configuration where the workpiece is fed laterally to the crushing tool. This dimensional change allows the workpiece to be accelerated directly against the screen in the direction of tool rotation, improving energy utilization while maintaining structural simplicity through the side-feeding mechanism.
2Reliability
If the cover prevents workpiece ejection completely, then workpiece control is improved, but workpiece jamming occurs due to lack of controlled return path
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with differentiated local properties: a closed portion that prevents uncontrolled ejection and a tapered gap portion that allows controlled workpiece return. This local quality differentiation enables the cover to simultaneously provide workpiece control and maintain flow continuity by allowing oversized pieces to return to the crushing zone through the tapered gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered gap in the cover acts as an intermediary mechanism between the crushing zone and the exterior. It mediates the workpiece flow by allowing controlled passage of oversized workpieces back into the crushing area while preventing uncontrolled ejection, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gap between cover and crushing tool is constant, then manufacturing is easier, but workpiece jamming occurs and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover gap is designed with an asymmetric tapered profile rather than a constant width. The gap width varies along the circumferential direction, being smaller at the inlet and larger at the outlet. This asymmetric geometry optimizes workpiece flow dynamics, prevents jamming, and reduces energy consumption while remaining manufacturable through standard machining processes.
4Productivity
If the inclined plane angle is increased to improve workpiece feeding, then feeding efficiency is improved, but workpiece ejection control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane angle is optimized to a specific range (10-20 degrees) that dynamically balances feeding efficiency and ejection control. This dynamic optimization ensures that workpieces are effectively fed onto the screen while maintaining sufficient gravitational component for controlled descent, preventing uncontrolled ejection. The cover's tapered gap further dynamically adjusts to accommodate workpiece size variations.
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 configuration optimizes energy use by ensuring workpieces are processed efficiently, reducing jamming and uncontrolled ejection, while allowing for seamless return to the feed device without excessive energy expenditure, thereby enhancing the comminution process.
Implementation Method 1
the plane of the workpiece feed device is inclined in a range from greater than 0 degrees up to 20 degrees to the horizontal (angle beta), so that the workpiece sliding or rolling on the plane overcomes a height difference t of up to 200 mm
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement for comminuting solid workpieces (1) comprising: - a comminution tool (4) rotating about a tool axis (2) in a tool rotation direction (3) with a circle of motion (12) having a diameter d, which comminution tool (4) engages the workpiece (1), - an output unit comprising a sieve (5) arranged in a region below the comminution tool (4), - a workpiece feed device (6) which conveys the workpiece into a region of the influence area of the comminution tool (4) in which region the acceleration vector (8b) of the workpiece (1) is directed towards the sieve, and - a cover (7) which covers at least a coverage area around the comminution tool (4) and above the sieve (5) in which region the tool acceleration vector (8c) of the workpiece (1) points away from the sieve and from the workpiece feed device,which cover (7) has a gap to the motion circle (12) such that a free area around the comminution tool (4) remains free, in which free area at least one component of the tool acceleration vector (8d) of the workpiece (1) is directed towards the workpiece feed device (6), wherein the gap continuously narrows in the tool rotation direction between the inlet opening (14) and the outlet opening (15).