Horizontal Rotor Sizing Apparatus for Screenless Particle Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing powder-based granules disintegrating and sizing devices face issues with particle size regulation due to screen wear, clogging, and inefficient flow, leading to fine-particle generation and reduced yield, as well as the need for complex adjustments and potential impurity infiltration.

Innovation Solution

A device with a horizontal drive shaft and a rotor with sizing rings and stators that adjust particle size through a narrow gap section, allowing smooth flow and efficient disintegration and sizing without screens, enabling easy adjustment of the gap for optimal particle size regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If screens are used for particle size regulation, then particle size can be controlled, but screen wear and damage occur leading to contamination of the product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size regulationVSAvoidscreen wear particles contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screen component entirely from the particle size regulation system. Instead of using a screen to separate particles, the invention uses a classifier rotor with centrifugal force to achieve particle size separation, thereby eliminating the source of contamination from screen wear and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical screen-based filtration system with a centrifugal classification system. The classifier rotor generates centrifugal force to separate particles by size, substituting the mechanical screen contact method with a field-based (centrifugal) separation method that avoids wear and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If screens are used for particle size regulation, then particle size can be controlled, but screen mesh holes become blocked due to material adherence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size regulationVSAvoidprocessing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screen component that is prone to clogging. By eliminating the screen mesh structure, the system avoids the fundamental problem of material adherence blocking holes, thereby maintaining continuous operation and high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the screen-based mechanical filtration system with a centrifugal classification system. The classifier rotor uses centrifugal force to separate particles, eliminating the static screen structure that is susceptible to clogging and allowing continuous processing without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If disintegrating blade force is increased to break large particles, then particle size regulation is improved, but suitable particles are also disintegrated generating fine particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size regulationVSAvoidyield rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic classification system using a rotating classifier rotor that generates centrifugal force. This dynamic system allows particles to be classified based on their size and density characteristics during rotation, enabling precise particle size regulation without excessive force that would damage suitable particles and reduce yield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the classification mechanism from impact-based (disintegrating blade) to centrifugal force-based (classifier rotor). By adjusting rotational speed and centrifugal force parameters, the system achieves precise particle size separation without the need for high-impact forces that would unnecessarily disintegrate already-suitable particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If vertical drive shaft is used, then device structure is simplified, but material flow becomes complicated and settlement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive shaft structureVSAvoidmaterial flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a horizontal drive shaft configuration that drives the classifier rotor to rotate, creating dynamic centrifugal force fields. This horizontal arrangement optimizes material flow patterns, allowing particles to move smoothly through the classification zone without complex settling paths, thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

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 improves particle size distribution, reduces fine-particle generation, prevents material adherence, and increases processing capacity while maintaining a clean environment, suitable for various materials like pharmaceuticals and food products.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor which rotates about a horizontal axis and has an outer peripheral surface forming a prescribed gap with an inner peripheral surface of a stator disposed to oppose same in a radially outward direction, a particle size adjustment region being formed by the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the inner peripheral surface of the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP1990094B1Particulate crushing sizing apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 NARA MACHINERY
  • EP1990094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1990094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1990094B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A particulate crushing sizing apparatus that realizes enhancing of the flow easiness of particulate charged in the apparatus, preventing of overcrushing and sticking to the inside wall of the apparatus, and increasing of the processing volume. There is provided particulate crushing sizing apparatus (1) having drive shaft (9) disposed in the horizontal direction within casing (2), rotor (16) fixed to the drive shaft (9) and sizing stator (28) disposed opposite to the board surface of peripheral portion of the rotor, the sizing stator (28) having an inclined surface with a gap to the board surface of the rotor decreased toward the periphery thereof, wherein the drive shaft (9) is supported in a cantilevered fashion with the rotor (16) fixed to the open side end portion thereof, and wherein the sizing stator (28) is arranged throughout the whole circumference of the rotor, and wherein raw material feeding port (24) is opened in the vicinity of central portion of the rotor, and wherein product discharge port (22) is opened in the vicinity of area immediately beneath the rotor.