Silenced Outlet Chute for Material Reduction Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Material reduction machines, such as chippers, face challenges in noise control during operation due to the noise generated by the cutting mechanism and discharge of reduced material, which is not effectively mitigated by existing outlet chute designs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a curved outlet chute with a foraminous interior wall providing communication with a sound attenuation layer, and an angle-adjustable discharge deflector integrated with a silencer, which includes a screen layer and acoustic foam to reduce noise emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional outlet chute is used to discharge reduced material, then material discharge functionality is maintained, but noise levels increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidchute structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer is nested within the outlet chute structure, with the sound attenuation layer positioned inside the chute walls. The foraminous interior wall allows material to pass through while the silencer absorbs noise, creating a nested configuration where one component (silencer) is embedded within another (chute) without interfering with material flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet chute incorporates a foraminous (perforated) interior wall that allows reduced material to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. The porous/screen-like structure enables material flow while supporting the sound attenuation layer, reducing noise transmission without blocking the discharge path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a foraminous interior wall with sound attenuation layer is added to the outlet chute, then noise attenuation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise emissionVSAvoidchute manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet chute is divided into functional segments: a base portion, a curved portion, and a discharge deflector portion. The silencer is implemented as a separate component with a screen layer and sound attenuation layer that can be manufactured independently and then integrated into the chute structure, simplifying the manufacturing process for each individual component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge deflector is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different angles to control material trajectory. This dynamic element can be adjusted during operation or maintenance, providing flexibility without requiring complex manufacturing for multiple fixed-position deflectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If an angle-adjustable discharge deflector with integrated silencer is used, then noise control and material trajectory control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial trajectory adjustmentVSAvoiddeflector mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge deflector serves multiple functions: it controls the trajectory of discharged material and houses the integrated silencer for noise attenuation. The adjustable mechanism allows operators to optimize both material discharge direction and noise control in a single component, rather than requiring separate systems for each function

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

The solution significantly reduces noise levels by up to 41% in sound power, enhancing operational quietness and minimizing material degradation, while maintaining the chute's structural integrity and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a foraminous interior wall providing communication with a sound attenuation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS12194473B2Material reduction machine with silenced chute

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 VERMEER MFG CO

AI summary

A material reduction machine includes an infeed portion operable to receive material to be reduced, and a cutting mechanism operable to reduce material fed in from the infeed portion. An outlet chute has a first end operable to receive the material reduced by the cutting mechanism and a second end operable to discharge the reduced material from the machine, wherein the outlet chute extends along a curved path. The outlet chute includes, along a radially-inner side of the curved path, a foraminous interior wall providing communication with a sound attenuation layer.