Hopper With Variable Speed Blower For Fibrous Shredding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for shredding and spraying fibrous materials for fireproofing and insulation are not portable, prone to breakdown, have unsafe electrical enclosures, lack proper voltage regulation, inadequate safety features, and fixed blower speed, leading to electrical hazards and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A system with lockable caster wheels, a u-shaped handle, forklift apertures, audible alarm, silencer tube, variable speed blower, safety guard, PLC control, NEMA 4 waterproof electrical enclosure, and self-compensating input voltage control, addressing portability, safety, and operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-tap step up/step down transformer is used to accommodate voltage differences, then the system can adapt to different power voltages, but the operator must manually adjust the transformer taps which frequently leads to incorrect settings causing transformer damage and motor failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adaptationVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a self-compensating input voltage control mechanism that automatically detects and adjusts to the incoming voltage without requiring manual operator intervention. The transformer is pre-configured with tap settings that automatically engage based on voltage detection, eliminating the manual dial switch and preventing incorrect settings that lead to equipment damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical dial switch for transformer tap selection is replaced with an automated electrical control system. The system uses voltage detection circuits and automatic switching mechanisms to select the appropriate transformer taps based on the incoming voltage, replacing the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electrical control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the electrical enclosure has multiple openings for functionality, then the enclosure provides necessary access points, but moisture accumulates inside creating electrical shock hazards and the enclosure cannot achieve NEMA Type 14/4 rating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure accessibilityVSAvoidmoisture intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical enclosure uses sealed gaskets and flexible sealing mechanisms around all openings and access points. These flexible seals prevent moisture ingress while allowing necessary access for operations, enabling the enclosure to achieve NEMA Type 14/4 waterproof rating while maintaining operational accessibility through properly sealed hatches and panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces sealed access hatches with gasketed closures as intermediary elements between the internal electrical components and the external environment. These sealed access points allow necessary maintenance and operational access while preventing moisture accumulation, serving as a mediator that enables both accessibility and environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the blower AC motor runs at fixed constant speed, then the system structure is simple, but the operator cannot adjust blowing speed and must vent excess air through a ball valve causing loud noise and debris projection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor control simplicityVSAvoidnoise pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blower AC motor control is changed from a fixed constant speed system to a variable speed system. The motor speed can be dynamically adjusted through a variable frequency drive or speed control mechanism, allowing the operator to optimize blowing speed for different applications and eliminate the need to vent excess air through noisy ball valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If circuit breakers are not used for protection, then the system structure is simpler, but the wiring is unprotected from over current situations leading to overheating, fire hazards and electrical shock risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical protection simplicityVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates circuit breakers and protective devices as beforehand cushioning measures against potential electrical failures. These protective elements are installed in advance to prevent over-current damage, overheating, and fire hazards before they can occur, providing a safety buffer that protects the wiring and components from electrical abnormalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10974254B1Hopper for shredding fibrous material

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 FARRINGTON DAVID GERALD

AI summary

Systems for shredding fibrous material are described. In some embodiments, the system includes a cart that includes a hopper that includes an auger motor for shredding fibrous material and a blower motor configured to blow the shredded fibrous material onto structures for fireproofing. The cart may include a handle, one or more wheels, and/or forklift apertures to aid in transport.