3-in-1 Mill Liner Fastening System for Single-Step Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fastening systems for mill shells and liners in the mining industry require complex and time-consuming processes for removal, often necessitating specialized tools and posing safety risks due to separate handling of nuts and washers, with no efficient mechanism for simultaneous extraction.

Innovation Solution

A 3-in-1 fastening system comprising a metal cup-washer with a concentric rubber washer and a retaining element, allowing axial movement with a conventional tool for both insertion and removal, ensuring all components are handled in one step with a single tool, enhancing safety and preventing unauthorized disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fastening systems with separate nuts and washers are used, then the fastening can be securely installed, but the removal process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple tools and operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval processVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the nut, washer, and locking elements into a single integrated fastening component. The washer is integrated with the nut body, and the locking mechanism is built into the nut structure itself, eliminating the need for separate components and enabling single-tool removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated fastening component performs multiple functions simultaneously: fastening (nut), sealing (washer), and locking (integrated locking mechanism). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what previously required multiple separate components and operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate nuts and washers are used in the fastening system, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the handling and extraction of each component requires separate tools and procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the nut and washer into a single integrated component where the washer is formed as part of the nut body. This integration maintains the functional benefits of both components while reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fastening systems are used, then the components can be independently replaced, but the process requires specialized tools and poses safety risks due to separate handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacementVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining all fastening components into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the safety risks associated with handling multiple separate components. The integrated design allows for safer, single-tool removal without the hazards of dropped parts or complex manual extraction procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate fastening components are used, then the system can be adjusted and modified, but the insertion and removal processes require multiple steps and different tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem adjustmentVSAvoidinsertion and removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all fastening operations into a single integrated component that can be installed and removed as one unit. This integration maintains the adaptability of the fastening system while dramatically simplifying the insertion and removal processes to require only single-step operations with conventional tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates quick and safe insertion and removal of mill shells and liners using conventional tools, reducing maintenance time and costs while preventing unauthorized repairs by ensuring all components are handled simultaneously and securely.

Implementation Method 1

a rubber washer whose function is to make a seal that prevents runoff of fluids from the inside the mill

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

when said holding member is displaced by the torque applied to it, it drags the washers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10371194B23-in-1 attachment system for liner plates of mills used to grind minerals

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 AMERICAN SCREW DE CHILE

AI summary

The present invention consists in a 3-in-1 fastening system for shells of mill liners used for grinding minerals allowing the quick installation and removal in one step by using conventional tools. The system comprises a metal washer (1), a fastening element (2, 200) and a rubber washer (5), being concentrically joined to be coupled and thereby securing the shell of a mill, wherein the metal washer (1) has one or more inner openings (3) receiving one or more retaining members (4) to retain the fastening element (2, 200) inside said metal washer (1).