Sequential Start Clutch for Mixing Machine Augers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixing machines face high startup loads when filled with heavy materials, leading to excessive wear and torque overload, which existing solutions like multi-speed transmissions and torque protection devices only partially address.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sequential start clutch system that initially engages only one auger during startup and delays the engagement of additional augers, reducing startup torque by staggering their activation, thereby reducing the power required and stress on the drivelines and power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all augers are started simultaneously in a mixing machine, then the mixing function is achieved, but the startup torque becomes excessively high causing wear and torque overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the simultaneous startup of all augers into sequential startup stages. The clutch system engages each auger one at a time or in staggered groups, segmenting the total startup torque requirement into smaller, manageable portions that occur at different times rather than all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch system performs preliminary engagement of individual augers before all augers are fully operational. By engaging augers sequentially rather than simultaneously, the system prepares the drive train gradually, allowing the power source to handle reduced torque loads in stages rather than peak torque all at once.
2Reliability
If multi-speed transmissions or torque protection devices are used, then torque overload is protected, but the machine complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system acts as an intermediary device between the power source and the augers. Rather than requiring complex multi-speed transmissions or expensive torque protection devices, the clutch provides a simple mechanical means to control power transmission timing, thereby protecting the system from torque overload through sequential engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the torque protection function from complex transmission systems and implements it through a simple clutch mechanism. By separating the power transmission control from the main transmission system, the solution achieves torque protection without requiring complex multi-speed transmissions or expensive specialized protection devices.
3Force
If larger and more expensive drivetrain components are used, then torque overload capacity is increased, but the device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch system introduces dynamic control to the power transmission, allowing the drivetrain to operate at different engagement levels. Rather than requiring the drivetrain to be sized for maximum simultaneous startup torque of all augers, the dynamic sequential engagement allows smaller, more cost-effective drivetrain components to handle the reduced instantaneous torque loads.
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 significantly reduces startup torque, extending the working life of components and allowing for smaller, less expensive drivetrain components by splitting the torque load over time, effectively mitigating the high startup loads encountered in mixing machines.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch can be a spring-applied clutch that is normally engaged and that can be disengaged via hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 2
the clutch can be a spring-applied clutch that is normally engaged and that can be disengaged via hydraulic pressure from the power source
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixer system includes a mixing chamber with a drive panel, open top, discharge opening in a side of the mixing chamber, and door configured to open and close the discharge opening. A first mixing auger is disposed inside the mixing chamber, and a first auger drive is disposed on another side of the drive panel and connected to the first auger through the drive panel and connected to a driveline. A second mixing auger is disposed inside the mixing chamber on the first side of the drive panel, and another auger drive is connected to the second auger through the drive panel. A clutch is connected between the second auger drive and the driveline and configured to mechanically connect and disconnect the second auger drive from the driveline based on an input. A method of sequentially starting different augers within a mixing chamber is provided.