Logarithmic Cam Stop for Rotary Dryer Tire Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary dryer/kiln systems face challenges in securely attaching tire rings to the cylindrical shell without welding, which can lead to stress and complexity, especially during sudden loaded stops, and existing solutions either introduce unnecessary stress or increase system complexity.

Innovation Solution

A locking cam stop mechanism using clamping cams with logarithmic profiles and a tension link with a spring to secure the tire ring without direct attachment, allowing free counter-rotation and minimizing stress through frictional force, ensuring secure rotation and controlled stops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding is used to attach the tire ring to the dryer, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of residual stress cracking increases and the manufacturing complexity increases due to required furnace heat treatments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gear ring serves as an intermediary component between the tire ring and the dryer shell. The gear ring is welded to the dryer shell at cooler locations, avoiding direct welding to the heated tire ring. This intermediary approach transfers rotational force while eliminating the need for complex furnace heat treatments and reducing residual stress cracking risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct welding mechanical connection with a gear-driven mechanical transmission system. The gear ring with gear teeth engages with the tire ring, transferring rotational force through mechanical engagement rather than direct structural welding, thereby avoiding the associated manufacturing complexities.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate gear-type ring with gear train and electric motor is added, then the circumferential connection is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircumferential connection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear ring performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides circumferential connection to the dryer shell, transfers rotational force from the tire ring, and enables controlled rotation and stopping. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the patent avoids the complexity of separate gear trains and electric motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential gear-driven connection functionality from a complete gear train system. Instead of implementing a full gear train with electric motor control, the solution uses a simplified gear ring that directly engages with the tire ring, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining the required circumferential connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Force

If the tire ring and dryer are hard linked, then the force transmission is improved, but the stress during sudden loaded stops increases due to prevented slippage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidstress during loaded stops
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The gear ring connection provides a dynamic rather than rigid link between the tire ring and dryer shell. During sudden loaded stops, the gear mechanism allows controlled slippage and rotation, preventing the buildup of excessive stress that would occur in a hard-linked system, while still maintaining effective force transmission during normal operation.

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 provides a secure and stress-reduced attachment method for rotary dryer tire rings, allowing for controlled rotation and counter-rotation while avoiding the need for welding and reducing system complexity, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The device utilizes clamping cams with logarithmic profiles to secure the tire ring without welding or direct attachment, only frictional force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The device preferably utilizes a spring to maintain sufficient contact with the tire ring, ensuring that the cams will engage and hold the tire ring when necessary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2988084B1Locking cam stop
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 GENCOR IND INC
  • EP2988084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2988084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2988084B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking cam stop conducts rotation from a driving part, such as a tire ring, to a driven part, such as a rotary dryer or kiln. The device utilizes clamping cams with logarithmic profiles to secure the tire ring without welding or direct attachment, only frictional force. The cams provide immediate, powerful holding force in the desired direction, while allowing free counter-rotation when necessary. The device utilizes a tension link to maintain sufficient contact with the tire ring, ensuring that the cams will engage and hold the tire ring when necessary.