Gyratory Crusher Seal Ring Centering for Safe Main Shaft Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for personnel to stand beneath the main shaft assembly during the assembly or maintenance of gyratory crushers poses safety concerns due to the weight and alignment requirements of the main shaft and dust seal, which is cumbersome and risky.
Innovation Solution
A seal ring retention and centering system that includes an upper and lower retaining ring with a seal ring positioned between them, and multiple seal ring retention assemblies that can move between engaged and retracted positions to center and align the seal ring, allowing the main shaft to be installed without personnel directly beneath it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of main shaft and dust seal is performed by personnel standing beneath the assembly, then alignment precision can be achieved, but safety risks increase due to the heavy weight and potential for accidental dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centering device as an intermediary tool between the main shaft assembly and the personnel performing alignment. This device mechanically guides and centers the main shaft and dust seal assembly, eliminating the need for personnel to manually position components while standing beneath the heavy assembly. The centering device thus mediates the alignment process, providing both precision and safety by removing human operators from the hazard zone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment procedures are used for main shaft installation, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is designed to automatically perform alignment functions without requiring complex manual procedures. The device self-adjusts to center the main shaft and dust seal assembly through mechanical guidance features, eliminating the need for personnel to perform complex measurement and adjustment tasks. This self-centering capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining the adaptability needed for assembly and maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A gyratory crusher including a main shaft installed into a main frame. The gyratory crusher includes a seal ring assembly having a seal ring that engages a portion of the main frame to limit the movement of dust and particles during crushing operations. The seal ring assembly includes a plurality of seal ring retention assemblies that are each movable between an engaged centering position and a retracted operating position. In the centering position, each of the seal ring retention assemblies holds the seal ring in a centered position. When the seal ring is urged outward, the seal ring retention assemblies move away from the centering position to the retracted position. Each of the seal ring retention assemblies can be moved to the centering position from the exterior of the seal ring assembly to center the seal ring before installation of the main shaft into the frame of the crusher.