Crusher Drive Fluid Coupling for Smooth Start and Overload Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for crushers in material crusher plants require multiple components and complex arrangements to manage high mechanical and thermal stresses during ramping up, leading to increased costs and space constraints, especially in mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A shiftable fluid coupling is integrated in the transmission path from the power transfer unit to the crusher, interconnected with a pump in a fluid circuit, allowing for smooth start-up and overload protection by adjusting fluid levels to control torque and power transmission, thereby reducing the need for additional components and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clutch is provided between the drive and the crusher to interrupt and establish torque transmission, then the drive can be ramped up and the crusher can be protected during blockage, but high mechanical and thermal stresses occur on the clutch during engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrusher protection during blockageVSAvoidmechanical and thermal stresses on clutch

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

A fluid coupling is introduced as an intermediary element between the clutch and the crusher. This fluid coupling absorbs shock loads and torsional vibrations, protecting the clutch from high mechanical and thermal stresses while maintaining the ability to interrupt torque transmission during blockage conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid coupling provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing shock loads and torsional vibrations before they reach the clutch. This pre-cushioning effect protects the clutch from excessive stresses during normal operation and engagement phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Force

If an auxiliary drive is added to accelerate the transmission shaft before coupling to the main drive, then the load on the clutch during engagement is reduced, but the number of components and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload on clutch during engagementVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid coupling merges the functions of the auxiliary drive and the clutch into a single integrated component. It provides both the acceleration function (reducing clutch load) and the torque interruption function, thereby eliminating the need for a separate auxiliary drive and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid coupling serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a torque transmitter, a shock absorber, a torsional vibration damper, and a protective device during blockage. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components including an auxiliary drive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stress or pressure

If a fluid coupling and a clutch are provided in series to gently accelerate the crusher and protect the clutch, then the acceleration is smooth and clutch stress is reduced, but manufacturing costs and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch stress during engagementVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch is extracted from the series arrangement and replaced by the fluid coupling's inherent torque interruption capability. The fluid coupling alone provides both smooth acceleration and torque interruption functions, eliminating the need for a separate clutch and reducing manufacturing costs

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

The shiftable fluid coupling absorbs load peaks, reduces torsional vibrations, and provides effective overload protection, enabling a smooth start and ramping up of the crusher while minimizing component stress and costs, and allowing for easy maintenance by continuously driving the pump with the main drive.

Implementation Method 1

A shiftable fluid coupling (30) is integrated in the transmission path from the power transfer unit (10) to the crusher (50)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid coupling: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

A pump (31) is interconnected with the shiftable fluid coupling (30) in a fluid conveying manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS20210239144A1Drive system for operating a crusher and method for operating a crusher

Publication Date: 2021.08.05 KLEEMANN

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive system for driving a crusher of a material crusher plant having a main drive and a power transfer unit driven by the main drive, wherein the power transfer unit drives at least one generator and a first hydraulic pump which is connected to the power transfer unit in a shiftable manner. It is provided that a shiftable fluid coupling is installed in the transmission path from the power transfer unit to the crusher, that the shiftable fluid coupling and a pump are interconnected in a fluid conveying manner in a pump circuit and that a fluid can be supplied to the shiftable fluid coupling by means of the pump.The invention further relates to a method for operating such a crusher.The drive system permits a gentle operation of the crusher at a small number of required components.