Feeder Screw Assembly for Positive Material Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extrusion systems face issues with contamination and clogging due to reliance on gravitational flow between the preconditioner and extruder, leading to inefficient material transfer and difficulty in maintaining superatmospheric pressure and high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An elongated upright feeder screw assembly is introduced between the preconditioner outlet and extruder inlet, featuring juxtaposed auger screws within a closed housing to positively convey material, reducing contamination risks and allowing pressurization above atmospheric conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gravitational flow is used to convey material from preconditioner to extruder, then the system structure is simple, but material transfer efficiency is poor and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A feeder screw assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the preconditioner and extruder. This screw conveyor actively transports material through a enclosed housing, replacing passive gravitational flow with positive mechanical conveyance, thereby eliminating clogging while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gravitational flow mechanism with a mechanically driven screw conveyor system. The feeder screw assembly uses rotational mechanical energy to positively convey material, substituting the passive gravitational field-based transport with an active mechanical transport system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If downspout is used for material transfer, then the apparatus is simple, but airborne contaminants are incorporated into material
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder screw assembly is enclosed in a housing that creates a controlled environment for material transfer. This enclosed structure prevents airborne contaminants from contacting the material during conveyance, effectively creating a protected transfer zone between preconditioner and extruder.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosed housing of the feeder screw assembly serves as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the material being processed. This intermediate structure isolates the material from atmospheric contaminants while allowing controlled transfer from preconditioner to extruder.
3Reliability
If gravitational flow is relied upon, then no additional power is needed, but material flow is not positive and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder screw assembly acts as an intermediary transport mechanism that bridges the preconditioner and extruder. By using a mechanically driven screw conveyor, it ensures reliable positive conveyance of material, preventing flow interruptions and clogging that occur with passive gravitational systems.
4Temperature
If atmospheric pressure conditions are maintained, then the system is simple to operate, but superatmospheric pressure conditions cannot be maintained for enhanced cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder screw assembly serves as an intermediary pressure zone between the preconditioner and extruder. The enclosed housing allows pressure to be maintained at superatmospheric levels during material transfer, enabling enhanced cooking temperatures while the screw mechanism ensures material continues to flow positively under these pressurized conditions.
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
The feeder screw assembly ensures continuous, contamination-free material transfer and enables operation at elevated pressures and temperatures, enhancing cooking efficiency and reducing clogging issues.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of juxtaposed feeder elements within the housing, each including an upright shaft supporting helical flighting along the length thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An improved screw feeder assembly is provided for interconnection between the outlet of a preconditioner and the inlet of an extruder barrel. The assembly includes an upright housing with a pair of elongated shafts equipped with auger flighting within the housing and driven by means of motor. Preferably, the housing is mechanically coupled to the outlet and inlet with the shafts extending through the preconditioner vessel and downwardly to a point within the inlet and closely adjacent the screw(s) within the extruder barrel; the flighting is provided along the length of the housing, from a point closely adjacent the outlet and into the extruder inlet. This provides a positive conveyance of preconditioned material from the outlet to the inlet. Use of the assembly allows maintenance of superatmospheric pressures and temperatures above 212° F. within the preconditioner, which permits more efficient processing.