Continuous Tumbler with Segmented Conveyor for Pelt Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tumbler systems for handling killed furred animals are inefficient due to batch operation, manual handling, and the need for multiple machines, leading to increased manual labor, space requirements, and dust dispersion, especially when dealing with both animal bodies and pelts.
Innovation Solution
A tumbler with divided sections and a conveyor system that allows continuous operation, enabling controlled transfer and tumbling of bodies and sawdust, reducing manual intervention and dust dispersion through a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch operation is used in tumbler systems, then manual handling is simplified, but productivity is reduced and manual labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by dividing the tumbler into multiple sections where bodies are continuously fed, tumbled, and discharged without stopping. The conveyor system maintains continuous material flow between sections, eliminating batch cycles and associated manual intervention while sustaining high productivity throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tumbler is divided into multiple sections (first section for receiving bodies, second section for tumbling, third section for discharge) with a conveyor system spanning across them. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function continuously, enabling automated operation without manual handling while maintaining high processing throughput.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tumblers are used for different purposes, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single tumbler system that can handle multiple functions by processing different materials (animal bodies and pelts) through the same continuous tumbling mechanism. The adjustable parameters (rotation speed, section configuration, conveyor rate) allow the same device to adapt to different processing requirements, eliminating the need for separate specialized tumblers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple tumbling functions into one integrated device with a unified continuous operation system. The conveyor system and multi-section design allow the same tumbler to process both bodies and pelts sequentially or simultaneously, merging what would traditionally require separate machines into a single versatile unit that reduces overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If self-emptying tumblers are used, then manual removal is reduced, but dust dispersion increases and working conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the discharge function from the main tumbling chamber by providing a separate discharge opening and chute system. Bodies are tumbled in the main chamber and then conveyed to a dedicated discharge section where they are emptied in a controlled manner, separating the tumbling and discharge operations to minimize dust generation during material handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the tumbling sections and the discharge opening. It transports bodies from the tumbling chambers to the discharge area in a controlled sequence, allowing the tumbler to empty continuously without violent dumping that would generate dust, thereby improving working conditions while maintaining automated operation.
4Productivity
If continuous operation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tumbler is divided into multiple sections (receiving, tumbling, discharge) with a conveyor system spanning across them. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function continuously, enabling automated operation without manual handling while maintaining high processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a single tumbler system that can handle multiple functions by processing different materials (animal bodies and pelts) through the same continuous tumbling mechanism. The adjustable parameters (rotation speed, section configuration, conveyor rate) allow the same device to adapt to different processing requirements, eliminating the need for separate specialized tumblers.
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 continuous processing with reduced manual labor, optimized sawdust usage, and improved working conditions by allowing continuous filling and controlled discharge of bodies and sawdust, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple machines.
Implementation Method 1
a tumbler for tumbling bodies of killed furred animals, and comprising a cavity which is defined by a substantially cylindrical, horizontally-oriented tube which is limited by a first and a second end wall, respectively comprising a feed-in opening for the bodies of mink and a discharge opening, said tumbler being made to rotate around its horizontal axis by means of a motor-driven drive mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The tumbling of the bodies takes place together with a liquid-absorbing particulate medium, which most often consists of sawdust, which has good absorption characteristics
Data Source
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AI summary
A tumbler (2) which is characterised in that between the filling opening (20) and the delivery opening (26), the cavity (21) in the tumbler is divided into a number of sections (30, 32) to which the bodies are transferred by a conveyor unit (36) which extends through the tumbler (2), combined with a discharge/recycling arrangement (28) for individual and controlled discharge of the bodies from the tumbler. The conveyor unit (36) also comprises a bottom section with a worm conveyor for recirculation of the supply of sawdust to the respective sections. The tumbler (2) can thus be emptied and filled without having to stop operations, and is also suitable for use in the tumbling of pelts respectively with the leather side outermost or with the fur side outermost, so that the tumbler replaces two or three tumblers which are normally to be found in a pelt processing plant.