Extruder Cutter Mounting Plate Rotational Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single screw extruders for food or feed extrusion face challenges in handling and alignment of the sanitary start-up and discharge system (SSDS), die plate, and cutter, which are cumbersome and prone to leakage due to the need for precise alignment of multiple screwed joints.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a SSDS with a rotatable valve plate and interacting guiding means between the cutter and mounting plate, along with rotational locking mechanisms, facilitates easier handling and alignment without the need for precise screw alignment, and allows for hydraulic or pneumatic operation for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple screwed joints are used to mount the SSDS, die plate and cutter, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the alignment and tightening process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidmounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional multiple screwed joints with a clamp mechanism that uses a single tightening motion to secure the SSDS, die plate, and cutter assembly. The clamp engages with lugs on the processing section and applies distributed clamping force through contact surfaces, eliminating the need for multiple aligned screw holes and complex tightening sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the mounting functions of the SSDS, die plate, and cutter into a single integrated assembly that is secured by one clamp mechanism. This merging of mounting operations into a single action reduces the number of steps from multiple screw tightenings to one clamp engagement, while maintaining secure fixation of all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple screwed joints are used to connect the SSDS, die plate and cutter, then secure fixation is achieved, but the risk of leakage increases due to improper alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidleakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw joint system with a clamp-based mechanical system that provides distributed contact pressure across broad surfaces. This substitution eliminates the point-contact stress concentrations at screw holes and threads, preventing deformation and sealing surface damage that lead to leaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp mechanism incorporates cushioning contact surfaces that distribute clamping force evenly across the SSDS, die plate, and cutter assembly. This beforehand cushioning prevents localized stress concentrations that could deform sealing surfaces or cause misalignment, thereby preventing leakage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If precise alignment of screw holes is required for mounting, then secure fixation is achieved, but the mounting time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the precision alignment requirement of multiple screw holes with a clamp mechanism that engages with protruding lugs on the processing section. The clamp's contact surfaces are designed to automatically align with the lugs, eliminating the need for precise hole alignment and reducing mounting time from multiple alignment and tightening steps to a single engagement action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If symmetric tightening of multiple screwed joints is performed, then leakage is prevented, but the operation becomes overly cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidtightening ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the symmetric tightening sequence of multiple screws with a single clamp tightening action. The clamp applies force symmetrically through its contact surfaces with the SSDS, die plate, and cutter assembly, achieving uniform compression and leakage prevention in one motion without requiring multiple tightening steps or sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12115712B2Extruder for the extrusion of food or feed

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 BUHLER AG

AI summary

A single screw extruder (E) for the extrusion of food or feed, comprising in the direction of flow of a product to be extruded: i) a processing section (8); ii) a bypass outlet (B); iii) a valve plate (V); iv) a die plate (D); and iv) a cutter (6). The flow of product can be directed through the valve plate, under normal operating conditions of the extruder (E), and through the bypass outlet (B), during start-up of the extruder (E) or for maintenance purposes, downstream of the valve plate (V). The valve plate (V) is arranged on or in a mounting plate (M). The cutter (6) and the mounting plate (M) are provided with interacting guiding mechanism that prevent rotation of the cutter (6), vis-à-vis the mounting plate (M); and the cutter (6) and the mounting plate (M) are mechanically fastened to each other with rotational locking mechanism.