Rotor Disk Curved Conveying Ribs Polymer Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale polymer processing, existing carrier discs with radial ribs are insufficient in conveying capacity, leading to polymer particles accumulating and melting in the critical area between the disc and the container floor, causing overheating and equipment malfunction.

Innovation Solution

The carrier disc features concavely curved conveying ribs aligned almost tangentially to the edge of the rotor disk, with uniform curvatures and alternating starting distances, and a thickness that decreases towards the outside, enhancing the conveying effect and preventing particle wedging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If radial conveying ribs are used on the disc, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the conveying capacity is insufficient for large containers with high filling volumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidconveying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying ribs are designed with concave curvature instead of straight radial configuration. This curvature allows the ribs to better engage with and propel polymer particles outward along the disc periphery, significantly enhancing conveying capacity while maintaining structural simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Quantity of substance

If the disc diameter is increased for large containers, then the filling volume capacity increases, but the manufacturing precision and rotational smoothness requirements become much more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling volumeVSAvoiddisc rotational precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The concave curvature of the conveying ribs compensates for minor manufacturing variations in large discs. The curved geometry provides a more forgiving profile that maintains effective particle engagement even when disc flatness or rotational precision is not perfectly achieved, allowing large discs to operate reliably without extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If the mixing tool speed is increased to improve material movement and dwell time, then the conveying effect increases, but the friction-generated heat causes local melting of polymer flakes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial movement efficiencyVSAvoidlocal temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The curved conveying ribs improve material movement efficiency by better engaging and propelling particles outward, reducing the need for excessive rotational speed. This allows adequate conveying performance at lower speeds, thereby limiting friction-generated heat and preventing local melting of polymer flakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If polymer particles enter the critical area between the disc and container floor, then they accumulate and melt due to friction heat, but conventional radial ribs cannot effectively prevent or remove them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment reliabilityVSAvoidparticle accumulation and melting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The concave curvature of the conveying ribs creates an outward-propelling action that actively prevents particles from entering the critical area between the disc and container floor. Any particles that do enter are quickly swept outward by the curved rib geometry, preventing accumulation and melting that would otherwise occur with straight radial ribs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 design effectively prevents polymer particles from entering the critical area, ensures homogeneous processing, reduces downtime, and maintains the quality of the material by preventing local overheating and melting.

Implementation Method 1

The treated plastic material is thrown against the side wall of the container by the centrifugal force of the revolving tool carriers or tools

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the plastic material introduced into it is well mixed, sufficiently heated by the occurring frictional forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional heating: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2448659B1Rotor disk
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 EREMA ENGINEERING RECYCLING MASCHINEN & ANLAGEN GMBH
  • EP2448659B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2448659B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2448659B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a rotor disk (1) for inserting into a receiving container (2) for treating polymers, comprising a disk body (3), on the upper face (4) of which mixing and/or comminuting tools (5) can be provided and on the opposite lower face (6) of which a number of conveying ribs (7) extending from the inside out is provided, by means of which conveying ribs polymer particles can be conveyed outward during operation or which conveying ribs exert a force directed outward from the center (8) of the rotor disk (1) on the polymer particles caught by the conveying ribs (7) during operation. According to the invention, the conveying ribs (7) are curved concavely in the rotational or running direction.