Grate Block Head Piece Segmentation for Wear Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grate block designs for incineration plants face challenges with high mechanical and thermal loads, leading to wear and tear, and require complex access methods for replacing worn parts, which complicates maintenance and operation.

Innovation Solution

A grate block design featuring a base element with projections and a head piece with recesses, secured by metal pins, allowing for easy replacement of the head piece from one side without disassembling the grate block, ensuring secure attachment and reduced mechanical and thermal stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the head piece is securely attached to the base element using multiple fastening mechanisms, then the reliability of the grate block is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of head pieceVSAvoidreplacement of head piece
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The grate block is divided into two separable components: a base element and a head piece. The head piece can be detached and replaced independently from the base element, allowing for easy maintenance while maintaining secure operation during use. The segmentation is enabled by the projection-recess interface and removable pin fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection. The metal pin can be inserted and removed through the aligned through-openings, allowing the head piece to be securely attached during operation and easily detached for replacement when worn, without requiring complex tools or disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the grate block is designed as a single integrated component, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration accuracyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grate block is manufactured as separate components (base element and head piece) that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then joined through the projection-recess interface with pin fastening, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head piece is positioned on the base element through nested engagement of the projection fitting into the recess. This nested arrangement ensures precise alignment and positioning of the components relative to each other, achieving the necessary manufacturing precision through geometric constraints rather than complex integrated manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If access to both sides of the grate block is required for replacement, then the secure operation is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure operationVSAvoidaccess requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring access from both sides for secure fastening, the design inverts the approach by providing access from only one side. The metal pin is inserted through the head piece and base element from a single accessible side, with the pin extending through both components to provide secure attachment without requiring bilateral access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal pin acts as an intermediary element that bridges the head piece and base element, providing secure mechanical connection while allowing access from a single side. The pin passes through aligned through-openings in both components, creating a reliable fastening mechanism that simplifies the repair access requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If the projection and recess are designed for precise alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidfastening mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection and recess are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide precise alignment in the critical directions while maintaining simplicity. The projection fits into the recess with specific orientation requirements that ensure correct positioning, achieved through geometric constraints rather than complex alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The projection-recess interface is designed to self-align the head piece with the base element during assembly. The geometric shapes guide the components into their correct relative positions automatically, reducing the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables safe and efficient operation by allowing for easy replacement of wearing parts within the combustion chamber without moving the base element, reducing maintenance complexity and extending the service life of the grate block.

Implementation Method 1

A metal pin (21) is provided for insertion into the through-openings, and the metal pin is welded to the head piece (17) to secure it to the base element (13).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3348903B1Grate block
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 ICE GMBH
  • EP3348903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348903B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3348903B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a grate block (12) for a grate of a combustion plant, comprising a base element (13) and a head piece (17) arranged on the upper side of the base element (13). The base element (13) has at least one projection (16) directed towards the head piece (17) and at least one support (14) provided for the bearing of the head piece (17) and provided with at least one through-opening (15). The head piece (17) has at least one recess (19) directed towards the base element (13) and at least one through-opening (18), wherein the projection (16) of the base element (13) and the recess (19) of the head piece (17) are aligned with each other, such that the head piece (17) is positioned on the base element (13) by their interaction. The passage opening (15) in the support (14) of the base element (13) and the passage opening (18) of the head piece (17) are arranged concentrically one above the other.A metal pin (21) is provided for insertion into the passage openings (15, 18) and the metal pin (21) is welded to the head piece (17) to secure the head piece (17) to the base element (13).