Screw Conveyor Separation Device for Elongated Goods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separating devices for transitioning from transverse to longitudinal transport of elongated goods are subject to high stress, and fail to efficiently manage the time interval between successive deliveries, especially when handling goods of different lengths.

Innovation Solution

A transport system utilizing screw conveyors with a conical base body, where the screw conveyors rotate in the same direction to minimize stress and optimize the distance between goods, allowing for adjustable rotational speeds to control the delivery interval and ensure uniform movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a throwing device is used to transfer piece goods from transverse to longitudinal transporter, then the piece goods can be transferred between transporters, but the piece goods and the system are subject to high stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidstress on piece goods and system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the throwing device (impact-based mechanical system) with a screw conveyor system that uses continuous gentle pushing motion. The screw conveyors transfer piece goods through continuous rotation rather than sudden throwing, substituting high-impact mechanics with low-impact continuous motion, thereby reducing stress on both piece goods and system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameters from sudden high-velocity throwing to controlled continuous rotation. By adjusting the rotational speed of the screw conveyors, the system achieves efficient transfer while maintaining low stress conditions. The continuous rotation allows for parameter optimization that balances transfer speed with stress reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If piece goods are stopped at the end of transverse transporter and thrown into longitudinal transporter, then transfer between transporters can occur, but the piece goods and system are subject to high stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer operationVSAvoidstress on piece goods and system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The screw conveyors act as an intermediary device between the transverse and longitudinal transporters. Instead of direct throwing from one transporter to another, the screw conveyors provide a intermediate transfer mechanism that gently receives piece goods from the transverse transporter and delivers them to the longitudinal transporter, eliminating the need for high-stress stopping and throwing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the time interval between delivery of successive piece goods needs to be controlled, then separation can be managed, but with conventional devices the interval cannot be easily changed or optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime interval between deliveriesVSAvoidadjustability of delivery interval
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the screw conveyor rotational speeds, allowing the system to adapt the delivery interval to different operational requirements. By varying the rotation speed of the screw conveyors, the system can optimize the time interval between successive piece goods deliveries, providing both time management and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables easy adjustment of the delivery interval by changing the rotational speed parameter of the screw conveyors. This parameter change allows the system to optimize separation timing and adapt to different piece goods lengths and throughput requirements, simultaneously addressing time interval control and system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If piece goods of different lengths are handled on the longitudinal transporter, then versatility is improved, but optimizing distance between piece goods becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of different lengthsVSAvoiddistance optimization between piece goods
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic speed adjustment of the screw conveyors to optimize the distance between piece goods of varying lengths. By continuously adapting the rotational speed, the system maintains optimal spacing regardless of piece goods length variations, enabling both versatile handling and precise distance control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves precise distance optimization by changing the rotational speed parameter of the screw conveyors based on the length of piece goods being handled. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal spacing for different lengths while preserving versatility in handling various sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces stress on both the goods and the system during transition, enables precise control over the delivery interval, and ensures high throughput by uniformly accelerating goods, even those of varying lengths, while maintaining low operational forces.

Implementation Method 1

The piece goods are moved by continuous rotation of the screw conveyor, with the forces acting on the system being low as a result of the operation of the screw conveyor. The piece goods can be moved essentially uniformly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

By rotating the screw conveyors in the same direction, the piece goods can be driven in the longitudinal direction. This drive in the longitudinal direction can be used when transferring to a longitudinal transporter to build up a speed component in the direction of the longitudinal transporter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2039631B1Separation device
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 SPRINGER MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH
  • EP2039631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2039631B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The device (1) has two screw conveyors (2) that are connected with each other. Each screw conveyor has a screw surface (21) that forms a common guide (22) for elongated bulk goods (5). A conical base plate (25) is provided in each screw conveyor. The screw conveyors are provided for raising the elongated bulk goods when the screw conveyors are in an operating position. Each screw conveyor has an axis of rotation (24) that is arranged parallel to each other. The area of screw surfaces forming the guide are arranged parallel to longitudinal direction of the guide.