Discontinuous Mill Transformation via Axial Inlet and Outlet Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Discontinuous mills in the ceramic sector face inefficiencies due to periodic shut-downs for loading and unloading, leading to time losses and increased energy consumption, while replacing them with continuous mills is costly.

Innovation Solution

Modifying existing discontinuous mills by creating concentric inlet and outlet openings through the hubs, allowing continuous operation without stopping the mill, using a method that involves removing and perforating existing pivots to integrate connecting conduits for leak-proof axial openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If discontinuous mills are used with periodic shut-downs for loading and unloading, then the mill structure is simple and existing mills can be used, but time losses increase and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemill structure simplicityVSAvoidtime losses due to periodic shut-downs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mill is divided into functional zones with separate inlet and outlet openings positioned at different angular locations. The inlet opening receives material while the outlet opening discharges ground material, allowing simultaneous operation without shutdown. This segmentation enables continuous processing while maintaining the basic mill structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mill transitions from static periodic operation to dynamic continuous operation. By positioning inlet and outlet openings at different angular positions and maintaining constant rotation, the system achieves continuous material flow through the grinding zone, eliminating the need for periodic shutdowns while keeping the mill structure intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If discontinuous mills operate with periodic shut-downs, then the mill structure remains simple, but energy consumption increases due to repeated acceleration and deceleration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemill structure simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption for rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mill maintains continuous rotation and continuous material processing. The inlet opening continuously feeds material into the grinding zone while the outlet opening continuously discharges ground material. This eliminates repeated acceleration and deceleration cycles, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining simple mill structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If continuous mills with concentric inlet and outlet openings are used, then continuous operation is achieved without shut-downs, but the cost of new mills increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidmill cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies existing mills by pre-positioning inlet and outlet openings at appropriate angular locations on the mill casing. This preliminary structural arrangement enables continuous operation without requiring complete mill replacement, reducing costs while achieving continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than redesigning the entire mill, the invention applies local modifications by adding inlet and outlet openings at specific angular positions on the casing. This localized approach enables continuous operation while minimizing manufacturing costs and preserving the existing mill structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If existing discontinuous mills are modified by making small holes in existing hubs, then continuous operation is partially achieved, but the modification is insufficient for full continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidmodification adequacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves from radial hole modifications to axial openings through the mill casing. By creating inlet and outlet openings on the cylindrical surface of the casing at different angular positions, the system achieves proper material flow paths for continuous operation, making the modification adequate rather than partial.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3329998B1Method and equipment for transforming a discontinuous mill into a continuous mill

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 CERTECH S P A A SOCIO UNICO

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AI summary

A method for transforming a mill, comprising following steps: removing a rotating first pivot (31) from a first seating (33); realising a first through-opening (30) through the casing (2) of the mill at the first seating (33); predisposing a first pivot (31) provided with a through-opening (35) arranged in such a way as to be able to face the first through-opening (30) realised through the casing (2); inserting the first pivot (31) provided with a through-opening (35) in the first seating (33), so as to face the through-opening (35) to the first through-opening (30) realised through the casing (2).