Power Feed Wheel Linkage for Constant Rotor Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power feed lifting systems in fragmenting machines increase the critical distance between the rotor and the power feed wheel as they lift, leading to reduced control over the feed material and diminished fragmentation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power feed system with an angular yoke and non-parallel linkage arms, where the upper arm is shorter than the lower arm, maintains proximity between the power feed wheel and the fragmenting rotor throughout the lift path, ensuring consistent feed material control and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single rotational pivot point is used for power feed wheel mounting, then the structure is simple, but the critical distance between rotor and power feed wheel increases during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The power feed mounting structure is segmented into multiple components: a pair of arms instead of a single arm, with each arm having its own rotational pivot point. This segmentation allows independent control of each arm's movement, enabling the power feed wheel to follow a path that maintains constant distance from the rotor while still allowing lifting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single rotational degree of freedom to a two-degree-of-freedom system. The first degree of freedom allows lifting motion (changing vertical position), while the second degree of freedom adjusts the horizontal position to maintain constant critical distance. This dimensional change enables simultaneous lifting and distance maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power feed wheel radius is greater than rotor striking surface distance, then the power feed can accommodate larger materials, but control over feed material diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The power feed wheel radius is made adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change the effective radius by adjusting the power feed wheel's position on the arms or by using variable radius wheels. This allows optimization of the radius for each specific material size being processed, maintaining both adaptability and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of power feed wheel radius from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By allowing continuous adjustment of this parameter, the system can optimize performance for different material sizes while maintaining reliable control through the dual-pivot mechanism that ensures proper positioning.
3Ease of operation
If pivot point is higher than rotor axis, then the power feed can clear obstacles, but the power feed wheel pivots outwardly away from rotor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a horizontal adjustment dimension to the lifting mechanism. While the vertical dimension handles obstacle clearance through elevated pivot points, the horizontal dimension compensates by adjusting the power feed wheel's lateral position to maintain constant distance from the rotor throughout the lifting cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The two arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the rotor axis, with different pivot point heights and horizontal offsets. This asymmetric configuration allows each arm to clear obstacles effectively while their coordinated motion maintains the power feed wheel at the correct distance from the rotor.
Data Source
AI summary
A waste fragmenting machine comprising a power feed system comprising a power feed wheel, an angular yoke connected to the power feed wheel and at least one, preferably two, sets of upper and lower linkage arms, the linkage arms being operatively connected with the machine frame and the angular yoke. The upper and lower arms of each set of linkage arms being arranged within the same vertical plane, but in a non-parallel relationship to each other and the upper arm being shorter in length than the lower arm. The linkage arms adjust the position of the power feed wheel to accommodate the size of feed material, thus maintaining a generally constant downward pressure thereon. Raising the power feed wheel under the present invention maintains the proximity between the power feed wheel and fragmenting rotor by moving the power feed wheel laterally in the direction of the rotor, thus promoting fragmenting efficiency by maximizing feed stability and maintaining steady feed rates.