Adjustable Split Weight Gyratory Sifter Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gyratory sifters face inefficiencies due to vertical motion and vibrations caused by eccentric masses, leading to reduced contact with screening surfaces and increased wear on bearing assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A drive system with two eccentric masses positioned around a horizontal drive shaft, where the masses are offset to minimize vertical motion and maximize horizontal gyration, with adjustable mass distribution to maintain alignment with the center of gravity, reducing torque and vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a single eccentric mass is used to drive the screen basket, then the sifter can generate sufficient centrifugal force for screening, but vertical motion and vibrations occur that reduce contact with screening surfaces and increase bearing wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentrifugal forceVSAvoidbearing assembly life
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single eccentric mass is divided into two separate eccentric masses positioned at different locations along the drive shaft. This segmentation allows the vertical components of the centrifugal forces to partially cancel each other out, reducing overall vertical motion and vibrations while maintaining sufficient horizontal screening force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two eccentric masses are positioned and weighted to act as counterweights to each other, where the vertical motion generated by one mass is compensated by the opposing vertical motion of the other mass, thereby minimizing net vertical vibrations and improving bearing assembly reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Productivity

If eccentric masses are positioned to maximize horizontal gyration, then sifting efficiency increases, but vertical motion and vibrations increase leading to reduced material contact with screening surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesifting efficiencyVSAvoidvertical motion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution addresses the vertical motion problem by introducing a spatial dimension consideration - positioning the two eccentric masses at different axial locations along the drive shaft. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to maintain effective horizontal gyration for sifting while the vertical components cancel out, eliminating the harmful vertical motion that reduces material contact with screening surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the center of gravity of the sifter changes due to screen basket modifications, then the sifter can accommodate different screening configurations, but misalignment with the drive force line increases vibrations and reduces performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening configuration flexibilityVSAvoidvibration level
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates adjustable mass distribution mechanisms that allow the eccentric masses to be repositioned or reweighted dynamically. This enables the drive force line to be realigned with the changed center of gravity when screen basket modifications are made, maintaining optimal performance and minimizing vibrations across different screening configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances material contact with screening surfaces, increases sifting efficiency, and extends the life of bearing assemblies by minimizing vertical motion and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The two eccentric masses rotate about the drive shaft in a horizontal plane... such that the two eccentric masses rotate about the drive shaft in a horizontal plane, a first eccentric mass above a second eccentric mass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

A drive system with two eccentric masses positioned around a horizontal drive shaft, where the masses are offset to minimize vertical motion and maximize horizontal gyration, with adjustable mass distribution to maintain alignment with the center of gravity, reducing torque and vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9694391B1Adjustable split weight gyratory sifter
Publication Date: 2017.07.04 M I LLC(US)
  • US9694391B1 patent drawing
  • US9694391B1 patent drawing
  • US9694391B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus includes a screen basket and a drive system coupled to the screen basket. The drive system includes a motor and a drive having a drive shaft. The drive system imparts a gyratory motion to the screen basket. First and second eccentric masses are coupled to the drive shaft. A method includes coupling the drive system to the screen basket of a sifter; the first eccentric mass positioned a distance above the second eccentric mass. The first and second eccentric masses are rotated together. The masses of the first and second eccentric masses are provided and/or adjusted so that a summation of forces generated by rotating the first and second eccentric masses generates a force line in plane with a center of gravity of the sifter. Rotation of the eccentric weights may move a distal end of a first and/or second weight arm a vertical distance upward.