Helical Grinding Apparatus for Bulk Material Comminution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding devices require significant space, energy, and material for processing, are inefficient, and often necessitate separate equipment for size separation and mixing, leading to decreased yield and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A grinding apparatus utilizing a helical movement of particles within a cylindrical working area driven by a rotatable shaft with decreasing lead size and gap, achieving intensive rotational and helical motion to efficiently comminute bulk materials into fine powders with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-stage grinding equipment is used, then material can be ground to fine powders, but the equipment requires significant space, energy consumption, and material resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grinding stages into a single integrated apparatus. The working chamber contains both stationary grinding elements (grinding table) and rotating grinding elements (rollers or balls) that work simultaneously to perform both coarse and fine grinding in one unit, eliminating the need for separate multi-stage equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding rollers are positioned within the working chamber in a nested arrangement around the central grinding table. The rollers rotate on axes that are inclined relative to the vertical axis, creating a compact nested structure where grinding elements are efficiently arranged within the available space
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-stage grinding equipment is used, then material can be ground to fine powders, but energy consumption and material resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grinding stages into a single integrated apparatus. The working chamber contains both stationary grinding elements (grinding table) and rotating grinding elements (rollers or balls) that work simultaneously to perform both coarse and fine grinding in one unit, eliminating the need for separate multi-stage equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding rollers rotate on axes that are inclined at an angle to the vertical axis, creating a dynamic grinding motion. This inclined rotation causes the rollers to both rotate and traverse across the grinding table surface, intensifying the grinding action and improving energy efficiency
3Productivity
If traditional grinders are used, then material processing can be performed, but separate equipment is needed for mixing and size separation, decreasing yield and increasing energy costs
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs multiple functions within a single unit: grinding (coarse and fine), mixing, and size classification. The working chamber design allows simultaneous processing of material through grinding elements while the airflow system provides both cooling and particle size separation, eliminating the need for separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an airflow system as an intermediary element that serves multiple purposes: it cools the grinding elements during operation, transports ground particles through the system, and performs size classification by separating fine powders from coarser particles. This intermediary airflow eliminates the need for separate cooling and classification equipment
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 apparatus significantly increases productivity by 3-10 times with comparable material and energy consumption, achieving high fineness in a single pass and efficient mixing, capable of grinding materials from 15-20 mm to -44 microns with high output percentages.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus is configured to crush material using an intensive rotational movement and create a helical movement of particles relative to an axis of the working area
Implementation Method 2
Hammer disintegrators work by friction grinding (mills with millstones, cone grinders)
Implementation Method 3
The insulating compartment can be filled with water to cool the cylinder during grinding
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for rotationally grinding, pulverizing, or comminuting bulk materials. A material processing component of the apparatus is fed at an input end by a hopper. The material enters the material processing component for processing and is propelled out of an output end through an outlet into a tray or piping. A cylinder of the material processing component is protected by an exterior insulating compartment and a replaceable inner liner. The cylinder defines a horizontal stationary work area. A rotatable shaft penetrates the cylinder along an axis of the working area. A plurality of working bodies are attached to the shaft in a narrowing helical orientation that also narrows in distance between working bodies from front to back. The working bodies are configured to comminute the material and direct it toward the outlet as the material passes through the working area.