Finned Roller for Spreader Assembly Jamming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Spreader devices face jamming issues due to particles of varying sizes and hardness getting stuck at the passage between the roller and the container, leading to hindered mobility and material damage, which affects the proper operation of the device.

Innovation Solution

A roller with radially extending fins, featuring a combination of rigid and resilient portions, allows for the passage of larger-sized materials by deforming and reducing the risk of material damage, ensuring continuous rotation and efficient distribution without interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional roller is used for spreading material, then the spreader device can operate, but particles with varying sizes and hardness get stuck at the passage causing roller jamming and material damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller operation reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial damage and roller jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface parameters are changed by adding fins with specific geometric characteristics (height, spacing, cross-sectional shape) that create passages for material flow. The fin material properties are also optimized to balance between durability and gentleness on material particles, preventing both jamming and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The roller is constructed using composite material structure combining the base roller material with fin materials that have different properties. The fins are made of material that is durable yet gentle on particles, creating a composite structure that achieves both strength and non-damaging contact with spread material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If the roller structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but it cannot handle materials with varying sizes and hardness without jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroller manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidability to handle varying material sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface is segmented into multiple fins rather than a solid continuous surface. This segmentation creates discrete passages between fins that can accommodate particles of various sizes. The segmented structure is manufactured as an integrated component using extrusion or molding processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The finned roller structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains roller structural integrity, creates material flow passages, prevents particle jamming, and reduces material damage. This multi-functional design achieves versatility without requiring multiple separate components, preserving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the roller contacts material directly, then material can be moved through the passage, but the material often gets damaged because of the roller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial distribution efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fins are designed with flexible characteristics allowing them to deform slightly during material contact. This flexibility enables the fins to conform to particle shapes and sizes, reducing impact forces and preventing material damage while still maintaining effective material movement through the passages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The fins act as intermediaries between the solid roller surface and the material particles. Instead of direct contact between material and the hard roller body, the fins mediate the interaction, providing a controlled contact surface that moves material efficiently while minimizing damage through their geometric and material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 roller design enhances the operational efficiency and reduces maintenance costs by allowing smooth rotation and uniform material distribution, even with harder and larger-sized materials, without damaging the material or halting the spreading process.

Implementation Method 1

Each fin of the plurality of fins includes at least one rigid portion and at least one resilient portion connected to the rigid portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3544407B1Roller for spreader assembly

Publication Date: 2023.06.21 HUSQVARNA AB

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates the spreader assembly (100) includes the hopper (102) adapted to contain the material. The hopper (102) includes the feed opening (124) for selectively discharging the material. The spreader assembly (100) further includes the pair of wheels (118) connected to the hopper (102). The spreader assembly (100) further includes the roller (114, 614, 714, 814, 914, 1014) configured to connect with the pair of wheels (118). The roller (114, 614, 714, 814, 914, 1014) includes the plurality of fins (130) and the elongated tubular member (132). The fins (130) extend radially from the outer surface (144) of the elongated tubular member (132). Each fin of the plurality of fins (130) includes the rigid portion and the resilient portion connected to the rigid portion.