Flexible Lance Driving Mechanism with Counter Roller Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for driving flexible lances to clean heat exchanger ducts are not compact or efficient, particularly when dealing with clogged ducts due to fouling, as they require substantial force and lack effective traction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device with a clamp member mounted on an endless drive element and a non-driven counter roller arranged opposite the clamp member, which improves traction by biasing the counter roller towards the lance, and additional counter rollers that rotate perpendicular to the driving direction to stabilize and enhance the clamping action, allowing efficient and reliable operation even with clogged ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a driven clamp member is provided on one side of the lance, then the device structure is simplified, but the traction and driving reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is segmented into two functional parts: a driven clamp member on one side and a non-driven counter roller on the other side. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the clamp member provides driving force while the counter roller provides reaction force and stability, together achieving reliable lance driving without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The non-driven counter roller acts as a counterbalancing element to the driven clamp member. By providing a reaction force opposite to the driving force, it creates a balanced force system that improves traction and driving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity
2Force
If substantial force is applied to drive the lance through clogged ducts, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device requires more complex and less compact structure
Solution Approach 1:
The driven clamp member and non-driven counter roller are merged into a single integrated driving mechanism assembly. This combination allows the generation of substantial driving force through coordinated action of both components while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure, avoiding the need for separate complex force generation systems
3Reliability
If the counter roller is biased towards the lance, then the traction between clamp member and lance is improved, but the counter roller mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The counter roller is designed with a biasing mechanism that allows it to dynamically adjust its position and apply variable force towards the lance. This dynamic adjustment optimizes traction under different operating conditions while the biasing mechanism itself remains a simple spring or elastic element, avoiding complex control systems
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 solution provides a compact and efficient mechanism for driving flexible lances, ensuring reliable operation and improved traction, even in clogged conditions, by using a combination of driven and non-driven rollers and a counter roller frame that compensates for irregularities and maintains firm contact with the lance.
Implementation Method 1
The traction between the lance and the clamping member is improved if according to a preferred embodiment, the counter roller is biased in a direction towards the clamp element for clamping the lance there between
Data Source
AI summary
A device for driving a flexible lance for cleaning a heat exchanger duct or the like, includes a frame in which a driving mechanism is arranged for moving this flexible lance in a driving direction in the direction of an outlet opening. The driving mechanism is provided with a clamp member which can be clamped on the flexible lance and which is movable in the frame towards and away from this outlet opening. The clamp member is mounted on an endless drive element. The active part of the endless drive runs parallel to the driving direction. The drive mechanism further comprises at least one non-driven counter roller arranged opposite said clamp member. The lance is clamped between the clamp member and the counter roller.