Portable Feed Mill Segmented Drive for Independent Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing portable feed mill apparatuses, if one feed mill needs to be repaired, all other feed mills on the wheeled frame must be taken out of operation, disrupting continuous feeding operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a wheeled frame with slidably adjustable bearings and universal joints that allow individual feed mills to be isolated from the power source without affecting the others, enabling maintenance or repair of one feed mill without halting the operation of the others, using a system of drive belts and pulleys connected by a jackshaft and universal joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If feed mills are driven in series by a drive shaft connected to the tractor PTO, then power transmission to multiple feed mills is achieved, but if one feed mill must be repaired, all other feed mills must be taken out of service
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into independent power transmission paths for each feed mill. Each feed mill has its own drive shaft and belt system that can be independently engaged or disengaged from the main power source, allowing one mill to be isolated for repair while others continue operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing supports are made slidable along the frame, allowing dynamic adjustment of the drive belt tensions and positions. This enables the system to reconfigure power transmission paths dynamically - tightening belts for active mills and loosening/releasing belts for mills needing maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If feed mills are positioned on a wheeled frame to be portable, then mobility and versatility are improved, but maintenance of one mill requires halting all mills
Solution Approach 1:
The portable frame structure is segmented to support independent drive systems for each feed mill. The slidable bearing supports and independent belt systems allow the apparatus to maintain portability while enabling selective isolation of individual mills for repair without moving the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable bearing supports provide dynamic adjustment capability that facilitates easy maintenance. Technicians can slide bearings to adjust belt tension and position, making it simpler to access and repair individual mills while keeping the portable frame structure intact.
3Device complexity
If a single drive shaft connects all feed mills to the tractor PTO, then simple power transmission is achieved, but continuous operation cannot be maintained during repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission system is segmented into multiple independent paths using separate drive shafts and belt systems for each feed mill. This increased complexity allows selective engagement of individual mills, ensuring that if one mill fails or needs repair, others can continue operating independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Drive belts act as intermediary elements between the power source and individual feed mills. These belts can be selectively tightened or loosened, and their tension adjusted via slidable bearings, providing a reliable mechanism to isolate power transmission to specific mills while maintaining operation of others.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable feed mill machine having a plurality of spaced-apart feed mills positioned on a wheeled frame such as a trailer. Any one of the feed mills may be taken out of operation for repair without the other feed mills being taken out of operation. The machine may have a plurality of mechanized devices rather than the feed mills.