Folding Impeller Hinge Lock for Small Manway Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding impellers face challenges in small manway vessels, requiring oversized manways or splitting blades, which are costly and difficult to assemble, and disrupt laminar flow, necessitating a more efficient impeller design for smaller openings.
Innovation Solution
A folding impeller system with a frame, rotational rods, latches, and a locking mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment from a vessel, featuring a hub with hinges and detents for blade pivoting, enabling efficient insertion and operation within small openings without compromising balance or flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional folding impellers are used in small manway vessels, then the impeller can be inserted through small openings, but the folding mechanism causes serious disturbances in laminar flow of fluid around the impeller blades
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller blades are divided into multiple segments that can be folded relative to each other. Each blade segment is connected through hinge mechanisms allowing the blade to collapse into a compact configuration for insertion through small manways, then expand to full size for operation. The segmentation allows the impeller to pass through restricted openings while maintaining the ability to form complete blades for proper fluid flow when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller employs dynamic folding mechanisms with hinges and locking systems that allow blades to transition between folded and unfolded states. During insertion, blades are folded dynamically to reduce profile. During operation, blades are unlocked and positioned to extend fully, restoring laminar flow conditions. The dynamic nature allows adaptation between insertion and operation phases without compromising flow characteristics during operation.
2Length of moving object
If impeller blades are split into multiple parts for insertion, then larger blades can be installed through small manways, but multiple bolts and match marking are required which makes assembly difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into sections that connect through hinge mechanisms rather than requiring multiple separate blade pieces. The segmentation is designed so that sections fold relative to each other rather than requiring precise alignment during assembly. This reduces the number of connection points and eliminates the need for match marking while still allowing large blade dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding blade assembly incorporates self-aligning hinge mechanisms that automatically position blade sections correctly during insertion. The hinge design includes features that guide sections into proper alignment without requiring external alignment tools or match marking. The self-service nature of the alignment reduces assembly complexity and time while maintaining blade integrity.
3Reliability
If conventional folding impellers are held away from the bottom of the container in folded position, then damage to container and blades is reduced, but the impeller cannot reach optimal mixing position
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller uses dynamic positioning with adjustable height mechanisms that allow the folded impeller to be lowered close to or touching the container bottom during insertion without causing damage. The folding mechanism is designed to absorb impact forces, and the blades are positioned to fold in a controlled manner that prevents damage to both blades and container. During operation, the impeller is raised to optimal mixing height, providing both safety during insertion and efficiency during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding blade mechanism incorporates cushioning elements and flexible hinge designs that prevent damage when the folded impeller contacts the container bottom or surrounding structures during insertion. The cushioning is built into the folding mechanism itself, allowing the impeller to be lowered as far as possible without risk of damage. This enables maximum proximity to the bottom during insertion while protecting both blades and container.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.