Multistage Particle Reduction Device with Gravitational Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle size reduction equipment requires multiple devices to achieve the desired level of reduction, as they are designed to reduce particle size by a limited extent, necessitating separate processing through different machines.

Innovation Solution

A multistage particle reduction device utilizing gravitational flow and induced air assistance, with three stages featuring impact members and perforated screens of decreasing perforation size, allowing continuous and consistent particle size reduction within a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single particle reduction device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the particle size reduction capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidparticle size reduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The particle reduction device is divided into multiple stages (first stage, second stage, third stage), each with impact members and screens having different aperture sizes. This segmentation allows each stage to perform a specific reduction function, collectively achieving significant overall particle size reduction while maintaining a single integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device adds a vertical dimension by stacking multiple reduction stages one above another, with material flowing downward through each stage. This multi-level arrangement enables sequential particle size reduction across different vertical levels, transforming a horizontal single-stage process into a vertical multi-stage process that achieves greater reduction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple devices are used in tandem, then particle size reduction is achieved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous particle size reduction through multiple stages in a single continuous flow. Material enters at the top and progresses sequentially through each reduction stage without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the entire reduction process rather than requiring transfer between separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple particle reduction stages that would traditionally require separate devices are merged into a single integrated device. The impact members, screens, and housing are combined into one unified structure, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple reduction functions and eliminating transfer time between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple devices are used for particle reduction, then energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple particle reduction stages are merged into a single device with a unified drive system. One motor drives the central shaft that rotates all impact members across all stages, eliminating the need for multiple separate motors and reducing overall energy consumption while achieving the same cumulative particle size reduction effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single motor and central shaft system performs multiple functions by driving impact members at different stages simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows one power source to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate power sources, reducing total energy input while maintaining effective particle size reduction across all stages.

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

4Manufacturing precision

If perforated screens with small apertures are used, then particle size reduction is improved, but flow rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidflow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The screening function is segmented across multiple stages with progressively smaller apertures. The first screen has larger apertures allowing higher flow rate, while subsequent screens have smaller apertures for finer reduction. This segmentation of the screening function across stages maintains overall flow rate while achieving progressive particle size reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The particle size reduction and screening function is distributed across the vertical dimension with multiple stages arranged from top to bottom. Each stage handles a portion of the reduction task with screens having progressively smaller apertures, allowing the system to maintain flow rate at each stage while achieving cumulative fine reduction that would be impossible with a single fine screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 efficient and cost-effective reduction of particle size, replacing the need for multiple devices and reducing energy consumption by achieving significant particle size reduction in a single process, promoting continuous flow and minimizing machine maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

The particle reduction device preferably principally relies on gravitational flow to convey the particles down through the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational flow: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

For additional flow assistance induced air, for example generated by an externally mounted fan, may assist the flow of particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduced air flow: Fan

Implementation Method 3

impacting material with an impact member at each stage as the material flows through the device to reduce the material particle size at each stage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP2155397B1Particle reduction device
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 FIBERCYCLE
  • EP2155397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2155397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2155397B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A particle reduction device comprising: a housing containing an inlet for receiving material into a flow chamber, at least two adjacently spaced particle reduction stages through which material flows from one stage to the other for reducing the particle size of the material, and an outlet for outputting processed material with reduced particle size; each particle reduction stage having an impact member that rotates about a central shaft for impacting material into smaller particles; wherein at least one of the stages has a screen located downstream from the impact member, the screen having perforations through which particles of a sufficiently small size can pass.