Compact Shredder and Compactor with Tilt Cylinder for Slug Rejection
Solution Overview
Problem
Current chip compactors are unable to efficiently process both long and short metal chips and solid slugs, often requiring additional, costly components and resulting in large, complex systems that are not economically viable for small workshops, and fail to reject solid slugs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact shredder and compactor system with a feed screw, miller screw, and internal spiral grooves in the cutter housing that shreds and precompresses chips, while a tilt cylinder or locking system allows for the rejection of solid slugs by rotating the cutter housing to prevent engagement and utilize gravity for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single device is used to process both long chips and short chips, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot effectively handle solid slugs and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two functional zones: a shredding zone with rotating cutters for long chips and solid slugs, and a compacting zone with a press for short chips. This segmentation allows each zone to specialize in specific material types, preventing breaker damage while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shredding zone serves multiple functions: it processes long chips into manageable pieces, breaks solid slugs into smaller fragments, and prepares material for both the compacting zone and direct discharge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate preprocessing equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three different components (shredder, cutter, compacting part) are assembled in the same machine, then processing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shredding mechanism and compacting mechanism are merged into a single integrated device with a shared drive system and housing. The shredding zone with rotating cutters and the compacting zone with the press operate simultaneously within one machine, eliminating the need for three separate components while maintaining full processing capability.
3Area of stationary object
If a shredder and compactor are built into the CNC manufacturing machine, then footprint is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shredder and compactor are nested within the CNC machine's existing structure. The device fits into the machine's footprint by utilizing vertical space and integrating with the chip conveyor system, allowing the recycling function to be embedded without significantly increasing the overall machine footprint.
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
Enables efficient shredding and compacting of both long and short chips while rejecting solid slugs, providing a cost-effective, compact solution that allows small workshops to recycle materials efficiently, reducing environmental impact by minimizing waste and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a feed screw that pushes the items to be shredded and compacted towards an opening in a shredder
Implementation Method 2
a miller screw, housed in a cutter housing, which shreds items to be shredded into acquired size against a cutter plate
Implementation Method 3
the cutter housing has internal spiral grooves, thus providing improved volume capacity and capability to efficiently preload press chamber
Implementation Method 4
forces the shredded items into a press chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A shredder and compactor, wherein the shredder receives chips via a feed screw and restrictor pipe.