Grinding Device Rotor Control for Low-Density Waste Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current grinding and shredding plants are inefficient for processing low-density waste materials such as automotive fluff, agricultural waste, and unsorted municipal waste, as measured by the energy consumption versus material recycling ratio.

Innovation Solution

A grinding device with a rotor and processing arms configured for rotating within a grinding chamber, accompanied by a control system that adjusts the feeding rate based on torque, rotation speed, and power consumption to optimize processing efficiency, using a feeding system with an auger and motor control to ensure continuous material introduction and minimize energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional shredders or chippers with rotating blades are used to grind low-density waste materials, then the material can be processed, but the energy consumption is high and processing efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor speed is dynamically adjusted based on the type and amount of material being processed. The control system varies the rotation speed to optimize energy consumption while maintaining effective grinding, rather than operating at constant high speed throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (rotor speed, feeding rate) based on material characteristics and processing conditions. This allows the grinder to adapt to different material densities and volumes, improving energy efficiency while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the rotor rotates at high speed to increase processing capacity, then productivity improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor operates at variable speeds rather than constant high speed. The control system adjusts the rotation speed dynamically based on material flow and processing requirements, maintaining high productivity when needed while reducing energy consumption during lighter processing loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding system operates in periodic cycles, introducing material in controlled amounts that match the rotor's processing capacity. This prevents energy waste from processing material too quickly and allows the rotor to maintain optimal speed ranges for energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If material is fed continuously at high rate to maximize output, then productivity increases, but energy consumption and processing quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput rateVSAvoidground material quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system monitors processing conditions and adjusts the feeding rate based on rotor speed, material characteristics, and processing quality requirements. This feedback mechanism ensures that material is fed at optimal rates that maintain both productivity and ground material quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding rate is dynamically adjusted rather than operating at constant high rate. The system modulates the feeding speed to match processing conditions, ensuring consistent material quality while maintaining high overall productivity through optimized operational cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances processing efficiency by maintaining optimal rotor operation, reducing energy consumption, and shortening grinding times while maintaining the quality of the ground material, with lower maintenance costs and improved control over processing parameters.

Implementation Method 1

The rotor and its processing arms are configured for rotating with respect to the rest of the grinding chamber 7 around a predetermined axis of rotation AXR in order to grind, cut, chop, shred or micronise the material to be processed contained in the grinding chamber 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a control system configured for controlling the feeding system 13 based on the resistant torque opposing the rotation of the rotor 9 in the grinding chamber 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP4427843A1Grinding device and process for using it
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 ATTRITOR MILL LTD
  • EP4427843A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4427843A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4427843A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The grinding device (1, 1') according to the invention comprises a grinding container (5) which forms inside it a grinding chamber (7), and a rotor (9) which forms a plurality of processing arms (11). The rotor (9) and the arms (11) rotating on themselves, grind, chop, shred or micronise the material to be processed contained in the grinding chamber (7). The device (1, 1') also comprises A) a feeding system (13) that feeds the material to be processed into the grinding chamber (7); B) a control system configured for controlling the feeder (13) based on B1) the resistant torque opposing the rotation of the rotor (9) in the grinding chamber (7); and/or B2) based on the speed of rotation of the rotor (9); and/or B3) based on the power required to drive the rotor (9).