Self-Propelled Milling Machine Dust Reduction via Separation Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-driving ground milling machines, such as road and street milling machines, face challenges in effectively reducing dust emission during the milling process, which affects both the operational environment and health, despite the use of suction devices, as current measures are not optimal for this specific application.

Innovation Solution

A process that enhances dust reduction by using a suction device with a separation fluid to separate dust particles from the air within the milling roller box and conveyor route, where the dust-containing air is mixed with a separation fluid, allowing dust particles to agglomerate and be collected, and the cleaned air is then released, utilizing a separation device that includes a separation route and reservoir for the fluid, potentially with pre-separation and atomization to improve efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a suction device is used to extract dust-laden air during milling operations, then dust emissions are reduced, but the capacity for dust absorption and collection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust emissionVSAvoiddust absorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a separation fluid as an intermediary substance between the dust-laden air and the collection system. The separation fluid (typically water) is injected into the dust-laden air stream, where it captures dust particles through absorption and agglomeration. This intermediary mechanism significantly enhances the dust absorption capacity beyond what a simple suction device can achieve, while maintaining reduced dust emissions to the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If dust-laden air is extracted and discharged directly, then the system is simple, but air quality around the milling machine deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidair quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separation fluid acts as a mediator that cleans the air before discharge. By injecting this fluid into the dust-laden air stream, dust particles are captured and removed from the air phase. The resulting cleaned air (with reduced dust content) is then discharged through the extraction air duct, improving air quality around the milling machine while adding only moderate complexity to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If separation fluid is used to absorb dust, then dust collection capacity increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection capacityVSAvoidseparation device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a liquid separation fluid (typically water) to capture and absorb dust particles. The system utilizes fluid injection mechanisms, pumps, and hydraulic flow control to deliver the separation fluid into the dust-laden air stream. This pneumatic-hydraulic approach significantly enhances dust collection capacity while managing the complexity through established fluid handling technologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Quantity of substance

If dust particles are allowed to agglomerate in separation fluid, then dust absorption efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust absorption efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The separation fluid system is designed to be self-sustaining to minimize additional energy consumption. The dust-agglomerated separation fluid is collected and can be reused or easily disposed of, reducing the need for continuous fluid replacement. The system leverages natural processes like sedimentation and gravity separation to allow dust agglomeration without requiring excessive energy input for continuous mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach significantly increases the capacity for dust absorption and collection, reducing dust emission and improving air quality around the milling machine, while allowing the dust to be temporarily stored in the separation fluid, enhancing the overall dust management during the milling operation.

Implementation Method 1

the dust-laden air is passed through a separation section, where it comes into contact with a separation liquid, thereby separating dust from the supplied dust-laden air and absorbing it into the separation liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The extraction fan, which has a suction or negative pressure side and a blow-out or positive pressure side, thus creates a negative pressure on the suction side and ultimately an air suction from the extraction point to the extraction fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4502274A1Method for reducing dust during milling operation of a self-propelled ground milling machine and self-propelled ground milling machine
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 BOMAG GMBH
  • EP4502274A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4502274A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4502274A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for dust reduction during the milling operation of a self-propelled soil milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, recycler, or stabilizer. The invention further relates to a self-propelled soil milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, recycler, or stabilizer, for milling an area of ​​a soil surface to a milling depth.