Modular Bulk Material Metering Unit With Single Motor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk material metering devices face long changeover times and material loss during cleaning, especially with expensive materials, and suffer from reduced measurement accuracy due to dual motors.
Innovation Solution
A modular metering unit with a single motor driving both the stirring apparatus and metering means, featuring a base rotor and lateral rotor that maintain a short distance from the container walls to minimize material residue, allowing for quick exchange and reduced cleaning losses, and a single motor setup to enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to drive stirring apparatus and metering means separately, then functional capability is improved, but device weight increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive functions into a single motor unit. The motor shaft directly drives both the stirring apparatus and the metering means (screws), eliminating the need for separate motors. This merging reduces the overall device weight and eliminates the adverse effect of heavy motors on measurement accuracy in weighing systems, while maintaining the ability to perform both stirring and metering operations simultaneously.
2Reliability
If container, stirring apparatus and screws are cleaned during bulk material changeover, then contamination is prevented, but changeover time increases and material loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metering unit into exchangeable components - specifically the container with stirring apparatus and metering means can be removed and replaced as a unit. This segmentation allows for rapid changeover by simply exchanging the entire metering unit rather than cleaning individual components, significantly reducing changeover time and preventing expensive bulk material loss during the transition process.
3Productivity
If rotor is positioned close to container walls for efficient material handling, then mixing efficiency is improved, but material residue on rotor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-speed drive system that dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the rotor. During the filling phase, the rotor rotates at a higher speed to efficiently mix and handle bulk material, maximizing productivity. During the discharge phase, the speed is reduced to minimize material residue adhering to the rotor surfaces. This dynamic speed adjustment optimizes both mixing efficiency and reduces material loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for metering bulk material includes a drive unit as well as a metering unit encompassing a metering module, a receptacle, and a stirring apparatus. A gear can be provided between the metering module and a wheel. The metering module is provided with an outlet. A quick coupling element is disposed on an axis in order for the metering unit to be designed as a replaceable unit. The metering unit can be swiveled about the axis when the quick coupling element is engaged such that the wheel can be non-positively contacted with driving means. A plate is used as a cover.