Tubular Drag Conveyor Cleaning Assembly With Tool-Free Cable Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, leading to inefficiencies and potential cross-contamination.
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 components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning pigs are bolted to conveyor discs or clamped to cable ends, then cleaning function is achieved, but installation time increases and risk of damage to conveyor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is divided into separate modular components: a cleaning element, a mounting bracket, and a cable clamp. These can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing for quick installation and removal without bolting to conveyor discs or cable ends, thus reducing installation time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
A cable clamp serves as an intermediary component that secures the cleaning assembly to the cable without requiring connection to cable ends or conveyor discs. This intermediate mounting method prevents damage to conveyor components while enabling easy installation and removal of the cleaning assembly
2Reliability
If cleaning pigs are bolted to conveyor discs, then cleaning function is achieved, but risk of damage to discs, cable, chain or rope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp acts as an intermediary mounting mechanism that attaches the cleaning assembly to the cable without requiring bolts or clamps that could damage conveyor discs, cable, chain or rope. This intermediate attachment method distributes forces evenly and prevents concentrated stress on vulnerable components
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly is extracted from the conventional method of bolting to conveyor discs and instead mounted independently on the cable or rope. This separation eliminates the harmful interaction between cleaning hardware and conveyor components, preventing damage while maintaining cleaning function
3Reliability
If cable ends are disconnected to install cleaning pigs, then cleaning function is achieved, but productivity decreases and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp serves as an intermediary mounting solution that allows installation of the cleaning assembly without disconnecting cable ends. This maintains continuous cable tension and conveyor operation, preventing productivity loss and eliminating cross-contamination risks associated with stopping the conveyor
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly is designed with pre-assembled mounting components (bracket and clamp) that can be quickly attached to the cable during normal operation. This preliminary preparation allows installation without interrupting conveyor flow, maintaining productivity and preventing cross-contamination
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 effective cleaning of tubular drag conveyor interiors without damaging components, ensuring continuous contact and preventing binding, 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.