Modular Pellet Press Assembly in Restricted Hostile Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pellet shaping presses face challenges in being modular and compact enough to fit within shielded boxes with limited space and narrow openings, requiring reduced handling and tooling, while ensuring accurate assembly and operation, especially in hostile environments where oil use is prohibited.
Innovation Solution
A modular press design with detachable connections using screws, allowing for assembly and disassembly through narrow openings, featuring a die, upper and lower punches, and actuating parts connected via roller screw mechanisms, along with a movable support for punch alignment and a filling module for precise powder loading, enabling remote handling and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the press is designed as a compact modular unit, then it can be introduced through narrow openings in shielded boxes, but the assembly and disassembly becomes more complex requiring multiple detachable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The press is divided into multiple modular components including platens, punches, die, and actuating mechanisms that can be separately introduced through narrow openings and assembled inside the shielded box using detachable screwed connections
Solution Approach 2:
Detachable screwed connections serve as intermediaries that facilitate the assembly and disassembly of modular press components, enabling easy configuration and maintenance while maintaining compact size
2Ease of operation
If the press uses detachable screwed connections for modular assembly, then it becomes easier to assemble and disassemble with limited tools, but the number of connections and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
Modular components are pre-configured with aligned connection points and detachable screwed connections that enable straightforward assembly sequences, reducing the time and complexity of assembly operations
3Ease of operation
If the press is designed for remote handling by adding rods or grip handles, then it becomes easier to manipulate in shielded boxes, but the overall volume and complexity of the press increases
Solution Approach 1:
The press incorporates removable handling aids such as rods and grip handles that can be attached or detached as needed, providing dynamic adaptability for remote handling operations without permanently increasing the press structure
4Volume of moving object
If the press modules are made of small dimensions to fit through narrow openings, then they can be introduced into shielded boxes, but the handling and alignment during assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features and guide elements act as intermediaries that facilitate precise positioning of small modular components during assembly, ensuring accurate alignment despite the compact size and limited handling capabilities
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
Enables the assembly and operation of a compact pellet shaping press within restricted spaces with reduced handling and tooling, ensuring accurate and efficient pellet formation without oil, suitable for hostile environments.
Implementation Method 1
actuating parts (these characteristics being also present in prior document US 2014/004220). The invention is first original in that the actuating parts of the motors are joined to the die platen and to the upper punch platen by detachable connections comprising screws
Implementation Method 2
the actuating part of the lower motor comprises a knuckle connector, joined to the die platen and to an actuating rod of the lower motor, the actuating rod being at a non-zero angle with the columns, which it can in particular be a right angle. The knuckle connector enables the lateral movements of the actuating rod of the lower motor to be converted into vertical movements of the die platen
Implementation Method 3
the die block is a detachable portion of a complementary part of the die platen, and it is fastened to this complementary part by a slider connection and detachable connections comprising screws
Data Source
AI summary
A uniaxial press for shaping pellets by compressing powder in a die by punches. The uniaxial press can be used in a restricted and hostile environment and includes small modules that can pass separately through narrow openings, the modules being assembled by placing over columns and by screwing, therefore by remote handling in the confined space where the press is to operate without requiring any further intervention. The actuation is generally exclusively electromechanical.