Screening Device Vibration Control via Clustered Unbalance Exciters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screening devices lack the flexibility and variability to efficiently adjust their vibration modes for different operating states and materials, particularly in large-scale systems, leading to suboptimal mechanical loads and limited precision in vibration control.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing multiple imbalance exciter units grouped into clusters, each controlled and regulated to generate specific vibration patterns at coupling points, allowing for flexible and scalable modulation of deflection shapes and vibration modes, including linear, elliptical, and circular oscillations, with electronic coupling for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imbalance exciter units are used to increase variability and precision of vibration control, then the adaptability and measurement precision improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariability of vibration controlVSAvoidcomplexity of exciter unit arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screening device is divided into multiple clusters of imbalance exciter units, with each cluster containing at least two exciter units. These clusters are distributed at different coupling points on the screening device, allowing independent control of vibration modes. This segmentation enables precise local adjustment of vibration characteristics without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The imbalance exciter units are designed with adjustable parameters including rotation speed, unbalance mass, and phase angle. These dynamic adjustments allow the system to adapt to different operating states and material types. The control system can modify the vibration characteristics in real-time by changing the rotational speeds and phase relationships of the exciter units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If more clusters and exciter units are added to improve vibration control precision, then the adaptability increases, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of vibration mode controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of screening device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular clusters that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each cluster functions as a self-contained unit with standardized coupling mechanisms, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining high precision control capabilities across the entire screening device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing different physical configurations for different applications, the system achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters such as rotation speed, unbalance mass, and phase angle. This allows a single standardized device design to serve multiple purposes, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If stationary arrangement of unbalance drives is used to simplify control, then the device complexity decreases, but the adaptability and precision of vibration control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of control systemVSAvoidability to adjust vibration modes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs adjustable imbalance exciter units where parameters such as rotation speed, unbalance mass, and phase angle can be dynamically modified. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and material types while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture through standardized adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The imbalance exciter units are designed as multi-functional components that can operate in different modes and configurations. Each unit can serve multiple purposes by adjusting its parameters, reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying the overall control system while maintaining high adaptability.

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

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 approach enhances the variability and precision of vibration control, reduces mechanical loads, and minimizes energy consumption by enabling targeted influence on vibration behavior, optimizing the sieving process for various materials and operating states.

Implementation Method 1

a large number of imbalance exciter units which have a vibrational effect at a plurality of coupling points on the screening device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUnbalanced mass rotation: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

Each cluster can generate a cluster vibration through a plurality of excitation units, which can be coupled into the mechanical structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3902637B1Device and method for setting and controlling at least one oscillation mode by means of the plurality of unbalance exciter units on a screening device
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 F L SMIDTH & CO AS
  • EP3902637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3902637B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3902637B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and device for setting and controlling at least one oscillation mode of a screening device (1), wherein the respective oscillation mode is controlled by means of a plurality of unbalance exciter units (41); wherein each of the unbalance exciter units is actuated and controlled individually in relation to several parameters, more particularly at least in relation to the exciter force and exciter direction parameters, the unbalance exciter units being actuated and controlled in an arrangement in several clusters (40) of in each case at least two unbalance exciter units to apply a cluster oscillation to the screening device (1) in a respective coupling point (P) per cluster, at least two of the clusters (40) being actuated and controlled dependent on one another in relation to the generated oscillation, more particularly at least four clusters (40). Not least this provides a broad range of predefinable operating states.