Tubular Drag Conveyor Cleaning Assembly With Tool-Free Cable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning systems for tubular drag conveyors are time-consuming to install and remove, can damage conveyor components, and require disconnecting cable ends, making them inefficient and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning assembly comprising a puck, a plate, and a cleaning member sandwiched between them, with slots for easy sliding onto the cable, chain, or rope, and a rubber friction disc to prevent sliding, allowing for tool-free mounting and maintenance of contact along the tube length without damaging the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning pigs are bolted to conveyor discs or clamped to cable/chain/rope, then cleaning function is achieved, but installation is time-consuming and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is divided into separate components: a cleaning member, a mounting plate, and a cable/chain/rope interface element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quick assembly and disassembly without tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss during installation
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mounting mechanism is introduced between the cleaning member and the cable/chain/rope system. This intermediary component enables tool-free attachment and detachment while distributing forces to prevent damage to the cable, chain, or rope, thereby improving installation ease without increasing installation time
2Ease of operation
If cleaning assembly is mounted on cable/chain/rope, then cleaning function is achieved, but cable ends must be disconnected in some systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is extracted from the cable ends and mounted at intermediate positions along the cable/chain/rope length. This extraction eliminates the need to disconnect cable ends, simplifying the installation procedure while maintaining mounting convenience through the use of intermediate attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is designed to be universal, accommodating various positions along the cable/chain/rope without requiring end disconnection. This multi-position capability reduces installation procedure complexity while maintaining ease of operation across different mounting locations
3Productivity
If cleaning pig is placed on cable/chain/rope to clean tube interior, then cleaning function is achieved, but assembly may slide along inclined or vertical cable
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly incorporates a curved or spherical contact surface that conforms to the tube interior geometry. This curvature enables the assembly to maintain reliable contact with the tube wall throughout its travel, preventing sliding on inclined or vertical sections while preserving cleaning effectiveness through consistent wall engagement
4Productivity
If cleaning assembly maintains contact with tube interior along full length, then cleaning coverage is improved, but binding may occur in the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly utilizes flexible elements such as rubber friction discs or compliant cleaning members that can adapt to tube curvature changes. This flexibility allows the assembly to maintain full-length contact coverage for effective cleaning while preventing binding by conforming to the tube's geometric variations without excessive friction or mechanical interference
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 quick, tool-free installation and removal of the cleaning assembly on tubular drag conveyors, maintaining contact with the tube interior without damaging components, and preventing binding or wear, while being economical and efficient in use.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly includes a rubber friction disc to preclude sliding of the assembly along the cable, chain, or rope when the cable, chain, or rope is inclined or vertically oriented
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning pig assembly is provided for use on a tubular drag conveyor. The assembly is quickly and easily mounted anywhere along the cable, chain, or rope via slots in the assembly components. The components include a puck, a plate, a drag disc, and a cleaning member or tool sandwiched between the puck and the plate. The drag disc provides interference fit on the cable, chain, or rope holding the assembly on the cable, chain, or rope and prevents sliding of the assembly along the cable, chain, or rope during use. The cleaning assembly is installed without the use of tools or clamps. Multiple interchangeable cleaning members are provided depending on cleaning needs.