Modular Hammer Cage for Rapid Individual Hammer Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hammer mills require cumbersome and time-consuming processes for replacing individual hammers due to the need to remove and reinsert multiple hammers and spacers, with existing solutions still being inefficient and heavy for large machines.
Innovation Solution
A hammer cage with a main part featuring slots for positioning hammers, a bottom area preventing movement, and front and rear portions for easy installation, allowing hammers to be replaced quickly and efficiently without modifying the hammer mill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If hammers are arranged on a common axle with spacers, then the hammers can be positioned in correct sequence, but the replacement of individual hammers becomes time-consuming and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hammer assembly into modular hammer cages, each containing a specific number of hammers (typically 3-5) positioned on individual pins rather than a single common axle. This segmentation allows individual hammer cages to be replaced independently, reducing replacement time while maintaining precise positioning through the cage structure and bottom surface features.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple hammers are removed and reinserted during replacement, then the correct sequence can be maintained, but the replacement process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer cages are pre-assembled with hammers in the correct sequence and positioning before installation. The bottom surface with its specific geometry (flat, inclined, or curved) and slots are designed in advance to guide and maintain the correct hammer arrangement. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to manually sequence hammers during replacement, making the process simpler and faster.
3Loss of time
If a modular hammer cage design is used, then hammer replacement becomes faster, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer cage design serves multiple functions: it positions hammers precisely, maintains correct sequencing, facilitates rapid replacement, and can be designed with different bottom surface geometries to suit various operational requirements. The standardized cage structure with universal features (slots, bottom surface design, pin mounting) reduces overall system complexity despite the modular approach.
4Reliability
If the bottom area has a closed surface, then hammer movement is prevented, but hammer insertion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom surface is designed with varying local qualities: generally closed to prevent hammer drop-out during operation, but with specific local features such as slots, openings, or inclined regions that facilitate hammer insertion and positioning. The slots in the bottom surface allow hammers to be guided into place while the overall closed structure ensures retention during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention is hammer cage (1) for a hammer mill (6), comprising a main part (2) with a bottom area (2a) and slots (3) for positioning hammers (5) in said hammer cage (1), and said bottom area (2a) comprises a surface that prevents any movement of the hammers (5) out of said hammer cage (1) through said bottom area (2a), and wherein said main part (2) further comprises a front and a rear portion (2c, 2d) with respective openings (4a, 4b) for releasably arranging said hammer cage (1) in said hammer mill (6). The present invention is furthermore related to a hammer mill (6) comprising at least one hammer cage (1).