Extruder Screw Handling Device with Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting extruder screws from barrels are inefficient, prone to screw deformation due to lack of support, and can damage barrel liners or screw elements, requiring hydraulic cylinders and time-consuming sleeve repositioning.
Innovation Solution
An extruder screw handling device with a locking screw assembly, actuating means, and a horizontally arranged top section with guide means and wheels for secure extraction and transportation, allowing centered guiding and easy access for maintenance and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional extraction methods using hydraulic cylinders and sleeves are used, then the screw can be extracted from the barrel, but the screw is prone to deformation due to lack of support outside the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a horizontally arranged top section that acts as a support structure counterbalancing the screw's weight during extraction. This top section extends along the screw's length, providing continuous support that prevents deformation caused by gravitational force acting on the unsupported screw.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding element with an opening serves as an intermediary structure that the screw passes through during extraction. This guiding element maintains the screw's centered position and provides structural support, preventing lateral deviations and deformation while the screw is being moved from the barrel.
2Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used without adequate guidance, then the screw can be removed, but damage can occur to the barrel liners or screw elements
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding element acts as a protective intermediary between the screw and the barrel liner. The screw passes through the opening of the guiding element, which keeps it centered and prevents contact with the barrel liner, thereby avoiding damage to both the liner and screw elements during extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is positioned and the guiding element is placed in advance before extraction begins. The locking screw assembly is secured to the screw end section, and the guiding element is mounted on the top section, preparing the centered guidance path before the screw starts moving, preventing lateral contact with the barrel.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders are attached to the extruder for extraction, then the screw can be pushed out, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the screw out from the barrel end using hydraulic cylinders attached to the extruder, the device pulls the screw out from the opposite end (the drive end). The locking screw assembly is secured to the screw's end section and moved away from the extruder, extracting the screw in reverse direction, which simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex hydraulic cylinder arrangements.
4Productivity
If the sleeve is rearranged on the screw for each extraction step, then the screw can be extracted in stages, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking screw assembly is designed as a universal component that can be secured to the screw end section and moved continuously to extract the entire screw in one operation. This multi-functional assembly combines the functions of gripping, guiding, and moving the screw, eliminating the need for repeated sleeve repositioning and fastening operations at different stages.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention is related to an extruder screw-handling device (1) for handling a screw (15) of a food or land-or-sea- animal-feed extruder (14), said device being suitable for fully extracting an extruder screw (15) from an extruder barrel, wherein the device (1) has a horizontally arranged top section (8), a locking screw assembly (12) and a guiding element (11). The present invention is furthermore related to a method of extracting an extruder screw (15) from a food or land-or-sea- animal-feed extruder (14) using said device (1).