Eccentric Magnet Roller Cooling for Waste Separator Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waste separators experience vibrations and bearing heating due to turbulent air swirls generated by the rotating magnet rotor, leading to reduced roller strength and increased vibrations during operation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a cooling duct with an elongated hollow bridge part connected to both ends of the bearing carriers, allowing for effective cooling close to the source of heat, preferably using liquid or air cooling, and a meander-shaped duct to maximize cooling surface area, along with sturdy connections to limit vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the magnet rotor rotates at high speed (3000-5000 rpm) to process waste stream effectively, then productivity is improved, but turbulent air swirls are generated causing heat development and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste processing speedVSAvoidroller and bearing temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling duct is positioned to receive cooling agent before the heat from turbulent air swirls reaches critical levels. The cooling system is pre-configured within the hollow roller structure, with cooling channels arranged to preemptively cool the roller body and bearings during high-speed operation, preventing heat accumulation that would cause vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A cooling agent (liquid or air) is introduced as an intermediary substance to absorb heat generated by turbulent air swirls. The cooling agent flows through the cooling duct within the hollow roller, acting as a thermal mediator between the heat source (turbulent air) and the roller structure, carrying heat away to maintain operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the magnet rotor rotates at high speed to improve productivity, then waste stream processing is enhanced, but vibrations increase due to heat-induced roller weakness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste processing speedVSAvoidroller stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is pre-installed within the hollow roller structure with cooling ducts positioned to address heat generation at its source. During high-speed rotation, the cooling agent flows through these pre-configured channels to maintain roller strength and stability before heat-induced vibrations can develop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling agent serves as an intermediary that absorbs and removes heat energy from the roller body, preventing the thermal weakening that would compromise structural stability. This intermediary cooling mechanism allows the roller to maintain its mechanical properties during high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If cooling duct is added to cool the roller, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller temperature controlVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow roller structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for the magnet rotor, provides a pathway for the cooling agent through its hollow interior, and serves as the housing for the cooling duct. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling housings or complex external cooling structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Temperature

If cooling duct is connected to pump, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidcooling system connection
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling duct is pre-configured with connection points (supply connecting piece and discharge connecting piece) positioned at convenient locations on the hollow roller. These pre-positioned connection points allow for straightforward integration with external pumping systems during installation, reducing operational complexity despite the added cooling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution effectively reduces vibrations and heat development in the roller and bearings, enhancing the stability and reducing potential vibrations, while also simplifying the cooling system's connection to a pump and optimizing space usage within the roller.

Implementation Method 1

The rotating magnets generate an alternating magnetic field in a waste stream supplied by the conveyor belt. This alternating magnetic field induces a current into the non ferrous metal parts in the waste stream, which non ferrous metal parts consequently obtain magnetic properties and are repelled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The cooling duct extends in the hollow roller in the space between the jacket of the hollow roller and the cylinder wall of the magnet rotor... the cooling takes place most effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3164219B1Diverter roller for a non ferrous waste separator, as well as non ferrous waste separator provided with the diverter roller
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 GOUDSMIT MAGNETIC SYST
  • EP3164219B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3164219B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3164219B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A waste separator has two diverter rollers around which an endless conveyor belt is led. One of the diverter rollers is provided with an Eddy current separator for separating non ferrous metal parts from a waste stream. This diverter roller 5 has a hollow roller 15 which is bearing mounted on discs 19. A magnet rotor 23 is eccentrically present in the roller 15, which rotor is provided with permanent magnets 31, 33.; The roller 15 accommodates a cooling duct 39 through which a cooling agent is pumped for cooling the space 45 inside the roller. It has turned out that owing to the rotation of the magnet rotor turbulent air swirls evolve inside the roller which lead to development of heat in the roller and in the bearings of the roller. Owing to this development of heat the roller becomes weak which leads to vibrations. The source of the vibrations and of the development of heat inside the roller is eliminated by installing a cooling system in the roller.