Gravity-Fed Scrap Processing Layout Without Pusher Conveyors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scrap processing machines require complex and costly mechanisms for pushing scrap into the processing area, which can lead to malfunctions and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The machine design positions the press and shear elements one beneath the other, utilizing gravity to auto-supply scrap, eliminating the need for additional moving components and incorporating a mill with a duct connecting to the container body's outlet, allowing direct processing and discharge without external conveying means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional scrap processing machines use pusher elements or conveyors to move scrap towards the press and shear, then the scrap can be moved into the processing area, but the device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active conveying mechanisms to push scrap upward against gravity, the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the inlet opening at the top and the press and shear at lower levels, allowing scrap to move downward under its own weight through gravity alone
Solution Approach 2:
The scrap material itself serves as the conveying medium by utilizing its own weight and gravity to move through the processing system, eliminating the need for external pusher elements or conveyors that would require power supply and maintenance
2Ease of operation
If pusher elements are used to supply scrap to the press, then scrap can be moved into position, but the reliability decreases due to more moving parts that can malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The scrap material autonomously moves itself into the processing position by utilizing gravity, eliminating the need for unreliable pusher elements and conveyors that have moving parts subject to malfunction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the pusher element and conveyor components from the system entirely, relying solely on gravity to perform the scrap movement function that these components would otherwise provide
3Productivity
If external conveying systems are used to move processed scrap to the mill, then scrap can be transported for further processing, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the container body and mill into a single integrated unit, with the mill positioned directly beneath the container and connected via a duct, allowing processed scrap to fall directly into the mill under gravity without requiring external conveying systems
Solution Approach 2:
The processed scrap automatically transports itself to the mill by utilizing gravity to fall through the duct connection, eliminating the need for external bulldozers, trucks, or cranes that would increase device complexity and operational costs
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 configuration reduces the complexity and cost of the machine, minimizes malfunctions, and facilitates efficient processing and discharge of scrap, including both painted and unpainted materials, by leveraging gravity and eliminating the need for external conveying systems.
Implementation Method 1
a press (45) configured to compress the scrap (R) which is at least partially received in said volume (20)
Implementation Method 2
a shear (70) for cutting the pressed scrap (R) and positioned at a lower height with respect to the press (45)
Implementation Method 3
the inlet opening (30) being obtained in an upper portion of the container body (15)... the press (45)... positioned at a lower height with respect to the inlet opening (30)... the shear (70)... positioned at a lower height with respect to the press (45)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Herein described is a machine (10) for processing scrap (R) comprising: a container body (15) which defines a volume for receiving the scrap (R) and which comprises an opening (30) for the inlet of the scrap (R), provided in the container body (15), for access to the reception volume (20), a press (45) suitable to press the scrap (R) and at least partially housed in the reception volume (20), and a shear (70) for cutting the scrap (R) at least partially housed in the reception volume (20). In particular, the inlet mouth (125) is obtained in an upper portion of the container body (15), the press (45) is positioned at a lower height with respect to the inlet opening (30) and the shear (70) is positioned at a lower height with respect to the press (45).