Centrifugal Spreader Dosing Slide Jamming Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fertilizer particles can get between the metering plate, metering slide, and discharge chute in centrifugal spreaders, leading to jamming of adjustable elements.

Innovation Solution

A bead-like sealing ring with the same contour as the metering opening is placed on the base plate, keeping the slide at a distance from the base plate, and comb-like or finger-like bearing surface elements are used to guide the slide, minimizing contact areas and preventing jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a planar sliding bearing is used to guide the dosing slide, then the slide can be guided on the base plate, but fertilizer particles can get between the metering plate, metering slide and discharge chute leading to jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance of dosing slideVSAvoidjamming of adjustable elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding bearing surface is segmented into multiple comb-like or finger-like bearing surface elements arranged around the dosing opening, creating multiple small contact areas instead of one large continuous contact area. This segmentation prevents fertilizer particles from accumulating and causing jamming while still providing adequate guidance for the dosing slide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bead-like sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the base plate and the dosing slide. This sealing ring creates a seal that prevents fertilizer particles from entering the space between the base plate and the dosing slide, thereby preventing jamming of the adjustable elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the slide is placed close to the base plate for compact design, then the structure is compact, but fertilizer particles can easily enter and cause jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact structureVSAvoidjamming prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bead-like sealing ring acts as an intermediary barrier that allows the dosing slide to remain close to the base plate for a compact structure while preventing fertilizer particles from entering the gap between them. The sealing ring protrudes into the gap and creates an effective seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bead-like sealing ring functions as a flexible sealing element that can accommodate the close proximity of the dosing slide to the base plate while maintaining an effective barrier against fertilizer particles. The bead-like structure allows for slight deformations while maintaining the seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If a large contact area is provided between the base plate and slide for stability, then the slide is stable, but the risk of jamming increases due to larger areas where material can accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of slideVSAvoidjamming risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding bearing is divided into multiple comb-like or finger-like bearing surface elements that provide stable support for the dosing slide while creating multiple small contact areas. This segmentation reduces the risk of jamming by eliminating large continuous areas where fertilizer particles could accumulate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing surface elements are arranged in a radial pattern around the dosing opening, utilizing the radial dimension to provide stable support. This radial arrangement distributes the support forces evenly while maintaining small contact areas that prevent material accumulation.

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

4Reliability

If the distance between the base plate and slide is increased to prevent jamming, then jamming is reduced, but the ease of movement of the slide decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming preventionVSAvoidease of movement of slide
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding bearing is segmented into multiple comb-like or finger-like elements that create small gaps between them. These segmented bearing elements prevent fertilizer particles from accumulating and jamming the mechanism, while the segmented structure allows for smooth movement of the dosing slide with minimal friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bead-like sealing ring serves as an intermediary element that maintains an optimal distance between the base plate and the dosing slide. This sealing ring prevents fertilizer particles from entering the gap while allowing the slide to move freely along the bearing surface elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2316258B1Centrifugal spreader
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2316258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2316258B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2316258B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The spreader has a storage container (2) comprising a lower part (3) that tapers to a funnel. The lower part is attached to the base plate (5) that comprises a dosing opening, where aperture of the dosing opening is adjustable by a dosing slider (6). The dosing slider is adjustably arranged below the base plate, and a bulge-like sealing ring is directly attached to the dosing opening and arranged on the lower side of the base plate. The slider is arranged at a distance to the base plate and sealingly cooperates with the sealing ring, where the distance amounts to 6 mm.