Externally Serrated Rotary Shredder for Submersible Pump Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shredder pumps face clogging issues when dealing with large objects, such as bed sheets or towels, due to the smothering effect, which prevents these objects from reaching the cutters and being properly shredded.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotary cutter with outward axial flow and serrated knife edges, featuring cutting lobes with arc-shaped grooves and dividing walls that mate with a centrally positioned plate cutter, ensuring that large objects are prevented from smothering the pump and are effectively shredded regardless of the rotation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat stationary disc and flat rotary cutter are used, then the pump can handle general waste, but large objects tend to clog the pump by smothering the suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing flat cutting surfaces with spherical or conical cutting surfaces. The rotary cutter has a spherical outer surface with cutting edges, and the stationary cutter has a conical inner surface with cutting edges. This curved geometry creates an outward axial flow that prevents large objects from smothering the suction while maintaining effective cutting action.
2Productivity
If cutting edges are positioned close together, then cutting effectiveness increases, but the risk of clogging by large objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical and conical cutting surfaces create a flow pattern that directs material outward axially, preventing large objects from blocking the suction inlet. This curved geometry allows cutting edges to be positioned effectively while maintaining open flow paths that prevent clogging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-direction rotary cutter is used, then the cutting action is simple, but the pump cannot effectively handle materials when rotated in reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric cutting edge arrangements on both the rotary and stationary cutters. The cutting edges are positioned and oriented to provide effective cutting action in both rotation directions, allowing the pump to handle materials whether rotated clockwise or counterclockwise without requiring separate cutter designs for each direction.
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 configuration significantly reduces the likelihood of clogging and enhances the shredding performance by creating an outward axial flow, allowing the rotary cutter to chip and shred objects of all sizes, thereby improving the pump's efficiency and preventing large objects from obstructing the suction.
Implementation Method 1
When a rotary cutter is used a counter flow prevents the smothering action. An outward flow from the rotary cutter using 3 lobes which end in a serrated knife edge made a huge performance improvement. Thus the present invention comprises rotary cutter that creates an outward axial flow regardless of the sense of rotation
Implementation Method 2
These pumps have the capability of chopping, shredding, cutting or grinding solid matter in the liquid mixture permitting the output from the pump to be disposed of more readily. The externally serrated edges of the rotary cutter will also prevent the suction of the pump from being smothered by a large fibrous item
Data Source
AI summary
An externally serrated rotary shredder and submersible shredder pump having an externally serrated rotary shredder. These are for reducing the size of solids within a liquid which is to be pumped by shredding. An improvement over prior designs employs a cutting assembly and a shredder pump. The cutting assembly has a centrally positioned stationary dual sided plate cutter which engages first and second rotary cutters on alternate sides of a centrally positioned dual sided plate cutter. The first rotary cutter has cutting lobes having upper and lower cutting surfaces. The waste water contents have a finer grind which improves removal and reduces the likelihood of shredder pump clogging. The cutter assembly is configured for mounting to an intake opening of a stationary volute associated with a shredder pump. Many more cutting surfaces are provided which more quickly shred the solid materials within the liquid to be expelled.