Eccentric Cone Crusher for Reverse Vending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crushers for processing empty containers in reverse vending machines are inefficient in minimizing glass splinters and dust generation, and require significant space, limiting their installation in compact systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact cone crusher design with an eccentrically rotating cone that crushes containers against a funnel, minimizing space requirements and reducing glass splinter distribution through a tapered crushing gap and optimized motor placement, which also allows for adjustable fragment size and reduced dust generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional crushers with horizontally arranged rotating rollers or grinding mills are used, then crushing function is achieved, but space requirement increases and glass splinter distribution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace requirementVSAvoidglass splinter distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional crusher design by positioning the cone on its tip (point down) rather than on its base. This inversion allows the cone to rotate eccentrically within the hopper, crushing containers against the hopper walls. This configuration reduces space requirements while containing glass splinters within the hopper, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact design and harmful factor control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The hopper acts as a containing structure that confines glass splinters and dust generated during crushing. The hopper's geometry and positioning create a controlled environment that prevents splinter distribution beyond the crushing zone, addressing the harmful factors while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If conventional crushers are used, then container processing is achieved, but space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer processing capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the cone orientation and utilizing the hopper as both a feed mechanism and crushing surface, the design achieves effective container processing in a compact footprint. The eccentric rotation of the cone within the hopper creates efficient crushing action without requiring the extensive space of conventional horizontal roller systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The hopper serves multiple functions: it feeds containers into the crushing zone, provides the crushing surface against which the cone operates, and contains the resulting fragments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional crushers with larger filling and outlet openings are used, then container feed is facilitated, but glass splinter distribution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer feed capabilityVSAvoidglass splinter distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper structure contains glass splinters and dust within its boundaries, preventing their distribution beyond the crushing zone. The hopper's geometry allows for adequate opening sizes to facilitate container feed while maintaining containment of harmful fragments throughout the processing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 compact cone crusher effectively processes containers while minimizing glass splinters and dust, enabling efficient operation in smaller spaces and producing desired fragment sizes, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of the reverse vending process.

Implementation Method 1

a crushing body (106) which is held in the channel (102) by means of the frame (104), wherein the crushing body (106) is mounted to be movable about an axis, the axis running along the direction; wherein the crushing body (106) tapers along the direction; and wherein a gap is formed between the crushing body (106) and a crushing wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

a crushing body (106) which is held in the channel (102) by means of the frame (104), wherein the crushing body (106) is mounted to be movable about an axis... wherein the crushing body (106) tapers along the direction... a gap is formed between the crushing body (106) and a crushing wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical crushing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3778029B1Crusher, machine for returning empties and method

Publication Date: 2022.05.04 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH

Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary

According to various embodiments, a crushing device can comprise: a frame (104) which has a channel (102) wherein the channel (102) narrows along one direction; a crushing body (106) which is held in the channel (102) by means of the frame (104), wherein the crushing body (106) is movably mounted about an axis (111) wherein the axis (111) runs along the direction; wherein the crushing body (106) narrows along the direction; and wherein a gap (102s) is formed between the crushing body (106) and a crushing wall which limits the channel (102), which narrows along the direction.