Reversible Screw Conveyor Assembly for Milling Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical abrasive type milling machines require frequent replacement of screw conveyors due to wear, leading to increased maintenance time and cost, as they are typically used in a single direction and cannot be reversed without affecting machine performance.
Innovation Solution
A reversible conveyor assembly with projection means on the screw conveyor and a guiding groove on the conveyor flange allows for axial alignment and easy reversal of the screw conveyor, extending its lifespan and enabling bidirectional use without impacting machine performance, while minimizing installation time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the screw conveyor is directly connected to the main shaft and used in a single direction, then the machine structure is simple, but the screw conveyor wears out quickly and must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection between the screw conveyor and main shaft into separable segments: a conveyor flange with guiding means and groove, and projection means on the screw conveyor. This allows the screw conveyor to be detached, reversed, and reattached, extending its usable life without complicating the overall machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the screw conveyor to be used in reverse direction by rotating it 180 degrees and reattaching it to the conveyor flange. The symmetric projection means and groove design allow the screw conveyor to function effectively in either direction, doubling its potential lifespan.
2Reliability
If the screw conveyor is replaced after wear, then the machine maintains optimal performance, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares the screw conveyor for reversal in advance by providing projection means on both upper and lower portions that align with the groove. This preliminary design allows quick reversal without requiring complex disassembly or specialized tools, reducing installation time when reversal is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor flange acts as an intermediary component between the main shaft and the screw conveyor. It provides the guiding means and groove that facilitate easy alignment and reattachment of the reversed screw conveyor, simplifying the replacement process and reducing installation time.
3Device complexity
If the screw conveyor is designed for single-direction use, then the construction is simple, but the lifespan is limited and replacements are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses asymmetric projection means on the screw conveyor that can engage with the groove in multiple orientations. The projections are positioned on both upper and lower portions, allowing the screw conveyor to be attached in different directions while maintaining proper engagement with the conveyor flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw conveyor is designed with universal engagement features (projections on both upper and lower portions) that allow it to function in multiple directions. The conveyor flange's groove and guiding means provide a universal interface that accommodates reversed installation, making the screw conveyor multi-directional without requiring different components.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reversible conveyor assembly, which comprises a screw conveyor (10) having one or more projection means (10b) formed on both upper and lower portions of the screw conveyor. A conveyor flange (20) has a guiding means (20a) and a groove (20b) that are engraved on upper portion of the conveyor flange. The screw conveyor is securely assembled to the conveyor flange in such a way that the guiding means of the conveyor flange is arranged to contact the inner surface of circular projection of the screw conveyor for placing at least one of the projection means of the screw conveyor with the groove of the conveyor flange, which ensures axial alignment of both the screw conveyor and the conveyor flange. Such arrangement of conveyor assembly facilitates reversing of the screw conveyor without effecting performance of a milling machine and also increases the life span of the screw conveyor.