Drum Conveyor Two-Part Cross Piece Torque Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drum conveyor machines face challenges in deep shaft operations due to high torque and twisting of conveyor ropes, leading to reduced service life and requiring complex, unsafe procedures for twist compensation, resulting in long interruptions in operation.
Innovation Solution
A drum conveyor machine design featuring a two-part cross piece with a brake system that allows controlled reverse rotation and length adjustment of the conveyor rope, using a mechanical lock and multi-disc brake to manage rotational speed and torque, enabling safe and continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-rotation-free hoist ropes are used in drum hoists, then the hoisting operation can be performed, but the rope builds up torque and twists under load, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal joint with a cross-piece that has two axes of rotation, allowing the hoist rope to rotate freely in two directions. This dynamic structure enables the rope to release accumulated torque by rotating along the first axis and compensating for length changes due to twisting by rotating along the second axis, thereby preventing rope damage and extending service life while maintaining hoisting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational degree of freedom parameter from fixed (non-rotation-free) to free-rotating in two directions. By allowing the rope to rotate freely along two perpendicular axes through the universal joint mechanism, the system transforms the rope's ability to handle torque and twisting, converting the harmful torque accumulation into useful rotational movement that extends rope life
2Duration of action of stationary object
If complex procedures are used to compensate for rope twisting, then rope service life can be extended, but hoisting operations are interrupted for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous hoisting operations by integrating the torque compensation function directly into the hoisting mechanism through the universal joint. The cross-piece allows the rope to continuously release torque and adjust length during normal operation without requiring interruption of the hoisting process, maintaining continuous useful action while protecting the rope
Solution Approach 2:
The universal joint mechanism enables the hoist rope to self-compensate for torque and twisting automatically during operation. The rope itself, through its interaction with the cross-piece's two axes of rotation, performs the torque release and length adjustment functions without external intervention or complex external procedures, making the system self-service and eliminating operation interruptions
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the hoist rope is relieved of tension and allowed to rotate back, then torque can be released, but the braking effect is difficult to control and the process is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the uncontrolled rope rotation process with a controlled dynamic mechanism. The cross-piece with two axes of rotation provides controlled rotational movement throughout the operation, allowing torque to be gradually and safely released through the first axis while the second axis compensates for length changes, eliminating the unsafe uncontrolled rotation while maintaining effective torque release
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-piece acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hoist rope and the drum. It mediates the torque release process by providing two controlled axes of rotation, transforming the direct uncontrolled rope rotation into a controlled multi-axis rotational process that is safer and more reliable, while still achieving the necessary torque release function
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 enables safe, controlled reverse rotation and length adjustment of conveyor ropes, reducing torque and extending service life, while allowing continuous operation without long interruptions, enhancing safety and efficiency in deep shaft operations.
Implementation Method 1
a brake (16) whose movable part is rotationally fixed to the first part (1.6) and whose stationary part is rotationally fixed to the second part (1.7), wherein during normal operation of the drum conveyor, the brake (16) is engaged to prevent relative movement of the first part (1.6) with respect to the second part (1.7) of the cross piece (1)
Implementation Method 2
at least one radial bearing (10) is arranged between the shaft (2) and the inside of the housing (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
To enable a safe reversal of the hoist rope (20) of a drum hoist for deep shafts without lengthy interruptions to the normal operation of the drum hoist, a two-part cross joint is proposed in the intermediate gear between the hoist rope and the conveying element (25) of a drum hoist, wherein the first and second parts (1.6 and 1.7) are captive connected to each other along a connecting axis. The first part of the cross joint, which is pivotally connected to the hoist rope, is rotatable about the connecting axis, while the second part of the cross joint, which is connected to the conveying element, is non-rotatably supported by the conveying element guided in the shaft.A brake (16) acting between the two parts allows the reverse rotation of the haul rope to be controlled by selectively limiting or reducing the rotational speed of the first part of the cross piece, which is connected to the haul rope, relative to the second part of the cross piece after the brake is released. At the same time, the controlled reverse rotation allows the length of the haul rope to be precisely adjusted.