Cone Mill Universal Joint Motion Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cone mills face limitations due to gear linkages, which restrict maximum speed and generate high heat and noise when transferring rotary motion across an angle, typically 90 degrees, for the rotation of the tool.

Innovation Solution

A cone mill design incorporating a universal joint, specifically a double Cardan-style universal joint, to transmit rotary motion from the motor drive shaft to the tool drive shaft across the angle, eliminating the need for gears and reducing noise and heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a gear linkage is used to transfer rotary motion between drive shafts at an angle, then the rotary motion can be transferred, but the maximum speed is limited and heat and noise generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum rotational speedVSAvoidheat and noise generation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gear linkage mechanism with a universal joint mechanism to transfer rotary motion between drive shafts positioned at an angle. The universal joint eliminates the need for gears, thereby removing the speed limitations and reducing heat and noise generation associated with gear operation. This substitution of mechanical systems directly addresses the technical contradiction by enabling higher speeds while minimizing harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a gear linkage is used to transfer rotary motion across an angle, then motion transfer is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion transfer capabilityVSAvoidgear linkage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal joint mechanism provides a simpler and more direct solution for transferring rotary motion between shafts at an angle compared to gear linkages. By replacing the complex gear system with a universal joint, the patent reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the essential motion transfer function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the gear components from the motion transfer system, retaining only the essential function of transferring rotary motion. By taking out the unnecessary gear elements and relying solely on the universal joint mechanism, the patent achieves the same motion transfer capability with significantly reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution allows for higher rotational speeds and reduced noise and heat, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the cone mill by effectively transferring rotary motion across the required angle without the limitations of gear linkages.

Implementation Method 1

the mill comprising a universal joint for transferring rotary motion from the motor through the angle to the tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUniversal joint: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentEP3450023B1Improvements in or relating to cone mills
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 SCHENCK PROCESS LLC
  • EP3450023B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP3450023B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3450023B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cone mill comprises a rotating tool for moving friable material across a static conical screen. The tool is driven to rotate by a tool drive shaft. The mill includes a motor, the motor causing rotation of a motor drive shaft. The tool drive shaft and the motor drive shaft are located an angle with respect to each other and the mill comprises a universal joint for transferring rotary motion from the motor through the angle to the tool.