Extruder Pressure Relief and Quick-Lock Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for relieving pressure in extruders during shutdown or changeovers are inefficient, prone to plugging, and pose safety risks due to high pressures and heavy assemblies, requiring extensive manual labor and leading to frequent bolt stripping and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure relief assembly and assembly locking device combination that rapidly releases pressure and facilitates quick attachment and detachment of heavy assemblies, using a face plate with a piston chamber and linear actuators to control pressure release, and a scroll gear mechanism for locking and releasing assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure is relieved slowly to avoid safety risks, then operator safety is improved, but shutdown time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is opened in advance before the extruder is shut down, allowing pressure to be relieved proactively. This preliminary action ensures that pressure is already reduced when shutdown occurs, eliminating the need to wait for slow pressure dissipation and enabling immediate safe shutdown without extending downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the pressure relief valve opening timing based on operational state. The valve is opened before shutdown to actively manage pressure reduction, transitioning from passive slow dissipation to active controlled relief, thereby reducing shutdown time while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If heavy assemblies are attached using bolts and clamps to ensure secure fastening, then assembly reliability is improved, but attachment time increases and bolt stripping occurs frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly fastening system is segmented into multiple independent locking points around the circular opening. Instead of relying on a few heavy bolts, the assembly is secured at multiple locations simultaneously, distributing the fastening function across several lighter locking mechanisms that work together to achieve secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional heavy bolt-and-nut fastening systems are replaced with a specialized locking mechanism featuring a circular opening and multiple locking points. This new mechanical system uses a different approach—securing the assembly through distributed locking rather than concentrated bolting—reducing attachment time and eliminating bolt stripping issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple personnel are used to handle heavy assemblies to ensure safety, then injury risk is reduced, but labor cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly locking device enables single-operator operation through self-contained mechanical locking and unlocking mechanisms. The system is designed to be manipulated by one person using integrated controls, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to manually handle heavy assemblies while maintaining safety through engineered protective features.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual heavy lifting and multi-person handling operations are replaced by a mechanized locking system with integrated actuation. The device incorporates mechanical advantages and controls that allow one operator to safely secure and release heavy assemblies without requiring additional personnel for safety or operational reasons.
4Adaptability or versatility
If assemblies are frequently changed to maintain product versatility, then production flexibility is improved, but attachment and detachment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is prepared and positioned in advance for quick engagement. The circular opening and locking points are pre-configured to receive assemblies rapidly, and the unlocking mechanism is ready for immediate actuation. This preliminary preparation enables frequent assembly changes without significant time penalty, supporting product versatility while minimizing changeover duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from static, time-consuming manual bolt operations to a dynamic, quickly actuated locking mechanism. The system enables rapid state changes between locked and unlocked positions, allowing frequent assembly exchanges to maintain product versatility without sacrificing production time.
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
Enables safe and controlled pressure relief, reduces changeover time from 45-60 minutes to 1-10 minutes, eliminates the need for heavy lifting and manual labor, and minimizes the risk of injuries and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear actuator attached to the distal end of the valve body of the first valve assembly being in contact with the piston and when the actuator is activated, the piston is moved to a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a circular scroll gear with a scroll thread centered on the circular opening of the assembly locking device and wherein the scroll gear is in engagement with the linear gear rack
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides devices that are attached to an extruder making the operation thereof more efficient and convenient and allowing for a quick change over of parts used to make various products prepared in the extrusion process. A high pressure relief assembly is attached to the extruder that allows for the rapid release of pressure from the extruder at the end of the process by venting product under pressure from the extruder and the extruder also has attached thereto a quick assembly locking device that allows for the exchange of assemblies, such as a density control assembly and other assembles, without the removal of nuts, bolts, and clamps by attaching the assembly to an arm that can be moved in and out of place in front of the extruder and wherein the device has a locking mechanism that seals and releases the assembly from the extruder.