Distributor Torsion Spring Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreading machines lack effective overload protection, leading to potential damage and injury when the stirring element encounters rigid bodies or uncrushable objects, and there is no mechanism to prevent accidents caused by user error or incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a torsionally flexible connecting element, designed as a torsion spring or leaf spring assembly, which acts as both an overload protection and a switch-off mechanism, absorbing driving forces and preventing excessive rotation, thereby preventing accidents and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid drive connection is used between the drive device and stirring element, then the stirring element can effectively move material, but it causes damage to components and potential injury when encountering rigid bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The drive connection changes its mechanical property from rigid to torsionally flexible under overload conditions. The connecting element normally provides rigid coupling for effective stirring, but when excessive torque is detected (when stirring element hits rigid body), it yields torsionally to disconnect the drive, protecting components and users while maintaining normal operational effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If a freewheel mechanism is used to convert lifting movement to rotary stepping movement, then the stirring element can rotate intermittently, but it continues to apply force to blocking objects causing component destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the freewheel mechanism and the stirring element. It transmits torque during normal operation but serves as a sacrificial element that yields under overload, protecting the freewheel and other components from damage while allowing the intermittent rotation function to operate
3Device complexity
If no overload protection device is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but there is high risk of accidents when storage container is entered or uncrushable objects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element provides automatic overload protection without requiring external control systems or complex safety devices. When overload occurs (either from uncrushable objects or human contact), the connecting element automatically yields torsionally to disconnect the drive, making the safety function self-activating and integrating seamlessly into the existing simple structure
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 solution provides a high level of protection against accidents and damage by allowing the stirring element to shut down or switch off when encountering obstacles, preventing injury and equipment damage while maintaining effective operation.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element arranged between the drive device and the stirring element is torsionally flexible and/or designed as a torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
the connecting element is configured as at least one elongated leaf spring and as a spring assembly configured with a plurality of leaf springs arranged next to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The distributor has a storage container, and a stirring device (5) arranged in a lower area of the container and arranged above a dosing device. The stirring device is displaced by a freewheel (15) operated by a propelled eccentric cam disk (10). A connection element (7) is arranged between the freewheel and a stirring unit (6). The connection element is designed as a torsion element, where rotating angle of the connection element lies opposite to the stirring unit. The rotating angle is equal to or larger than a rotating angle of a housing (15.1) of the freewheel.