Elliptical Drive With Helical Splines for Vibrating Screen Phase Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating screens in mineral processing face challenges in adjusting the elliptical motion effectively, requiring mechanical disassembly and trial-and-error methods, and involve multiple motors or unsafe maintenance due to stored kinetic energy.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical drive device with intermeshed gears having helical splines on shafts, allowing for mechanical adjustment of phase angle through a crank handle, enabling safe and efficient operation without electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical disassembly and reassembly is used to adjust the elliptical motion, then the phase angle can be changed, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the phase angle during operation through a mechanical linkage system with movable components. The linkage allows continuous adjustment of the relative position between counterweights without requiring disassembly, transforming a static fixed-phase design into a dynamically adjustable one. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through pure mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism is segmented into independent adjustable components including separate counterweights, linkage elements, and mounting positions. This segmentation allows individual components to be adjusted independently to achieve desired phase angles without requiring complete disassembly of the entire mechanism, thereby reducing adjustment complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors running at different speeds are used to adjust elliptical movement, then dynamic adjustment is possible, but electrical components increase in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical motor control systems with a purely mechanical adjustment mechanism. Instead of using multiple motors running at different speeds, the invention employs mechanical linkages, gears, and movable counterweight positions to achieve dynamic phase angle adjustment. This substitution eliminates sensitive electrical components from harsh environments while maintaining dynamic adjustability through robust mechanical means.
3Ease of repair
If the drive belt is removed in a fixed position unit, then maintenance can be performed, but the unbalanced weight may fall creating a dangerous condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary safety actions into the maintenance process through mechanical design features that automatically neutralize the unbalanced weights before belt removal. The linkage system includes positioning mechanisms that allow weights to be placed in a neutral, balanced position prior to maintenance activities, preventing dangerous kinetic energy release while enabling easy access for repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system serves as an intermediary mechanism between the unbalanced weights and the maintenance process. It provides controlled movement and positioning capabilities, allowing safe neutralization of weights through intermediate positions before complete removal or maintenance activities, thereby mediating between the need for maintenance access and safety concerns.
4Manufacturing precision
If trial-and-error adjustment methods are used, then the desired elliptical motion can be achieved, but the adjustment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of visual indicators or markers on the linkage system that show the current phase angle setting. This allows operators to see the effect of adjustments in real-time without needing to perform trial-and-error testing, enabling precise elliptical motion configuration while significantly reducing adjustment time through immediate visual feedback.
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
Facilitates dynamic adjustment of elliptical motion without disassembly, ensuring safe maintenance and minimizing electrical components, enhancing separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first shaft having first helical external splines, a second shaft, disposed parallel to the first shaft, having second helical external splines, a first gear having a first hub with first helical internal splines that mate with the first helical external splines of the first shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first threaded actuator rod disposed through the top plate, upon rotation of the first threaded actuator rod, the top plate, bottom plate, front plate and back plate move together in the axial direction
Implementation Method 3
a belt connecting the second shaft with the third shaft
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an elliptical drive adjusts a phase angle of unbalanced shafts or weights of a vibrating screen. The elliptical drive may include a yoke assembly including four plates that allows relative rotation of two shafts that in turn adjust the phase angle. One of the two shafts may have a pulley drive driven by a motor. The elliptical drive may include two gears intermeshed with each other hand having respective hubs with helical splines that mate with corresponding helical splines of the two shafts. Rotating an actuator rod may cause the two gears to move in an axial direction of the two shafts thereby rotating the two shafts relative to one another which in turn causes a phase angle adjustment of the unbalanced weights or shafts of the vibration mechanism of the vibrating screen.