Multi-Mode Screen Box Bearing Layout for Flexible Material Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material screening apparatuses are inflexible and costly to configure for varying screening requirements, especially when multiple units are needed in series, as they typically require fixed bearing sets which limit adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A material screening apparatus with a shaft that can removably receive additional bearings, allowing configuration between a two-bearing and four-bearing mode, along with an independently operable drive system that adjusts speed, enabling flexible screening characteristics and angles for each unit in a series arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screen boxes with fixed bearing sets are provided to cover different screening requirements, then screening versatility is improved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening versatilityVSAvoidnumber of screening apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen box is designed with a shaft that can accommodate variable bearing sets (two or four bearings), allowing a single apparatus to perform multiple screening functions. The drive means can operate independently on each screen box, enabling different screening characteristics to be achieved with one versatile unit rather than multiple specialized units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing sets are made changeable rather than fixed, allowing the screening apparatus to dynamically adapt its configuration. The shaft is designed to removably receive different bearing sets, enabling the system to switch between two-bearing and four-bearing modes depending on the screening requirements, thus providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-configuration units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple screen boxes with fixed bearing sets are provided to cover different screening requirements, then screening versatility is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening versatilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single screen box design with variable bearing configuration replaces the need for multiple specialized screen boxes. The universal design allows one apparatus to serve multiple screening applications, reducing the total number of units needed and thereby lowering overall cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing configuration parameter can be changed (two or four bearings) to achieve different screening characteristics. This parameter variability allows a single apparatus to adapt to different screening requirements without requiring multiple fixed-configuration units, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a screen box has fixed bearing sets, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different screening requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing configurationVSAvoidscreening characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing configuration is made dynamic and changeable rather than fixed. The shaft is designed to removably receive different bearing sets, allowing the system to adapt its structure to match different screening requirements. This dynamic configuration capability provides adaptability while maintaining relative structural simplicity through a standardized shaft design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing system is segmented into separate, interchangeable bearing sets that can be independently configured. The two-bearing and four-bearing sets are separate components that can be attached to the shaft as needed, allowing flexible configuration without complicating the overall structural design. Each bearing set is a modular unit that can be independently selected based on screening requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for adaptable screening characteristics and angles between units, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs by enabling multiple smaller, robust screening apparatuses to be operated with specific settings, improving the screening process and reducing the need for multiple units.

Implementation Method 1

Vibrating mechanisms are employed to impart vibratory energy to the screen deck(s) of a screen box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The shaft is configured to rotatably receive the first set of at least one bearings... The shaft is configured to removably receive the second set of at least one bearings... operable to impart rotational motion to the shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

The screen box may be coupled to the frame by a resilient coupling, for example comprising a spring support assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient coupling: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

The screen box may be coupled to the frame by a resilient coupling, for example comprising a spring support assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 5

Optionally, if the screen deck is inclined, the effect of gravity assists the movement of the material over the screening surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2907589B1Material screening apparatus with multi-mode screen box
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 TEREX GB LTD
  • EP2907589B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2907589B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2907589B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A material screening apparatus (10) is adaptable between a reduced-bearing mode and an additional-bearing mode, the apparatus comprises a screen box (12) coupled to a frame (30) and comprising at least one screen deck (14), a rotatable shaft (18) is coupled to the screen box (12) for imparting vibrational and/or oscillatory motion to the screen deck(s), drive means (24, 25, 26, 34a, 34b) imparts rotational motion to the shaft (18) and a first set of bearings (20a) couples the shaft (18) to the screen box (12), in the additional-bearing mode only, a second set of bearings (20b) couples the shaft (18) to the frame (30), changing between modes allows the screening characteristics of the apparatus (10) to be adjusted.