Extruder Screw With Internal Conveyance Path For Kneading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extrusion techniques require elongation of the extruder screw to impart extension action to raw materials, which is inefficient and may not ensure all materials pass through the extension region, leading to incomplete kneading.

Innovation Solution

An extruder screw design with a transfer, melting and mixing, and kneading portion, incorporating a conveyance path and barrier to restrict flow and increase pressure, allowing all raw materials to experience extension action without elongating the screw, ensuring thorough kneading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an extension impartation mechanism is added to the extruder tip, then the extension action is imparted to raw materials, but the entire extruder is elongated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegree of kneadingVSAvoidlength of extruder

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the extension impartation function within the existing extruder structure by creating a nested configuration where the extension region is formed inside the extruder barrel using a specially designed screw structure. The screw has a restricted conveyance region with a cross-sectional area smaller than the material conveyance path, creating an internal extension zone without external elongation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the extension action from a longitudinal dimension (requiring extruder lengthening) to a radial/dimensional constraint by using a screw structure with restricted cross-sectional area. This creates extension in the material flow path without extending the extruder's overall length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the extension impartation region is elongated to ensure all raw materials pass through, then thorough kneading is achieved, but the extruder screw is elongated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of kneadingVSAvoidlength of screw

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific restricted conveyance region within the screw structure that has different geometric properties (smaller cross-sectional area) compared to other regions. This localized structural variation ensures all materials pass through the extension zone for thorough kneading without requiring overall screw elongation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional extrusion techniques are used, then the extruder structure is simple, but the extension action is not thoroughly imparted to all raw materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of extruderVSAvoiddegree of kneading

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the screw structure multi-functional by combining material conveyance, restriction of material flow path, and extension action impartment within a single integrated component. The screw not only conveys material but also creates the extension region through its restricted cross-sectional area design, eliminating the need for separate extension mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design effectively imparts extension action to all raw materials, improving kneading efficiency without elongating the extruder screw, allowing for precise control of kneading degree and uniform material processing.

Implementation Method 1

a barrier portion (23) restricting conveyance of the raw materials and a path (37) through which the raw materials flows

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase through flow restriction: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the path is configured to urge the raw materials flowing from the entrance to flow toward the exit in a same direction as a direction of the conveyance of the conveyance portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11229889B2Extruder screw with alternately-arranged conveyance portions and extruders and extrusion methods using the extruder screw

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SHIBAURA MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

A conveyance portion, a barrier portion, and a path are provided at places of a screw main body in which a kneading portion is provided. In at least one of the places, the path is provided inside the screw main body, and includes an entrance and an exit. The entrance is opened to urge the raw materials having the conveyance limited by the barrier portion to increase pressure on the raw materials, to flow in the entrance. The raw materials flowing from the entrance flow through the path in the same direction as a conveyance direction of the conveyance portion.