Height-Adjustable Die for Pellet Press Deflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pellet presses face issues with deformation and breakage due to high pressure, leading to inconsistent pellet quality and reduced service life, especially when processing materials with coarse structures or high humidity, and existing solutions are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A height-adjustable die supported by an outer and inner support ring with spindles offset by 120°, allowing precise adjustment of the distance between the roller shell and the die, combined with a forced drive mechanism and temperature control, to optimize pellet production and extend equipment life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the die is supported only on the outer edge, then the structure is simple, but die deflection occurs under high pressure leading to inconsistent pellet quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structureVSAvoidpellet quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple independent support points (at least two supports distributed around the inner circumference of the die), replacing the single outer-edge support with a distributed support system that reduces deflection while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arrangement transitions from a single-point radial support to a multi-point distributed support system around the die's inner circumference, adding spatial distribution in the azimuthal dimension to reduce deflection under load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the die is made more rigid to prevent deflection, then pellet quality improves, but the risk of breakage under high pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepellet qualityVSAvoiddie resistance to breakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Additional support points are positioned to provide counterbalancing forces that offset the high pressing loads, reducing the net stress on the die walls and preventing both excessive deflection and catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The distributed support system is pre-configured to bear the anticipated high pressing loads before they occur, cushioning the die against deflection and breakage during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the gap between roller and die is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to materials with varying structures and humidity levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap adjustment mechanismVSAvoidmaterial processing flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gap between the roller and die is made adjustable through a height adjustment device that allows the die height to be varied, enabling adaptation to different material properties while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism

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 ensures consistent pellet quality, extends the service life of the pellet press, and reduces the risk of deformation and breakage, while allowing for efficient processing of materials with varying structures and humidity levels.

Implementation Method 1

A height adjustment device, in each case with a spindle, supports the die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the roller exerts high pressure on the die and the material on it, which can lead to deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3835048B1Pellet press with height-adjustable die
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 WISSING JOHANNES
  • EP3835048B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835048B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3835048B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Pellet presses are widely known in practice, but problems often arise, particularly with the die, which can shorten the service life of the presses and, in particular, impair the quality of the pellets produced. The object of the invention is, among other things, to propose a robust pellet press for improved pellet production.In a pellet press (1) with a non-rotatable die (30) designed as an annular disk, which has press channels (32) extending from a rolling surface (31) through the die (30) to an exit surface (33), and with at least one roller (20) mounted to be rotatable about a central axis (22), wherein the roller (20) rolls in a circle around an upright central axis (2) on the rolling surface (31) of the die (30) over a roller shell (21) forming the circumference of the roller (20), the invention proposes that the die (30) is height-adjustable such that a defined distance between the roller shell (21) and the rolling surface (31) can be set. The proposed pellet press is designed to compact various materials, such as organic materials like plastics, wood, or the like, and press them into pellet form.