Swept Kickers for Vertical Mixer Auger Discharge

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vertical mixer augers with straight kickers face issues such as clogging of lightweight materials during discharge, inefficient discharge due to materials being urged towards the opening only during the first half of rotation, and pulsating discharge rather than steady flow.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of swept kickers in vertical mixers, which are designed to maintain an acute angle with the discharge opening, ensuring continuous urging of materials towards the discharge opening throughout its length, reducing clogging and enhancing discharge efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If straight kickers are used to urge feed materials toward the discharge opening, then discharge action is provided during the first half of rotation, but feed materials are pulled back into the mixer during the second half, reducing discharge efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss from pulling feed back

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The kicker geometry is inverted from the conventional straight design. Instead of a straight radial kicker that pushes feed outward then allows it to be pulled back, the swept kicker has its leading edge angled to sweep feed materials in a forward direction along the discharge opening, maintaining continuous outward urging action throughout the rotation cycle rather than reversing direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The kicker design transitions from a static radial configuration to a dynamic swept configuration that adapts to the discharge process. The swept kicker's angled leading edge creates a dynamic sweeping action that continuously directs feed materials forward along the discharge opening, adjusting the force vector throughout the rotation to maintain optimal discharge pressure without pulling feed back.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If straight kickers are used, then feed materials are discharged during the first half of rotation, but discharge becomes pulsating rather than steady

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge flow continuityVSAvoiddischarge flow stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The kicker geometry is inverted from the conventional straight design. Instead of a straight radial kicker that pushes feed outward then allows it to be pulled back, the swept kicker has its leading edge angled to sweep feed materials in a forward direction along the discharge opening, maintaining continuous outward urging action throughout the rotation cycle rather than reversing direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The swept kicker design ensures continuous useful action by maintaining constant outward urging of feed materials throughout the entire rotation cycle. The angled leading edge configuration ensures that the kicker continuously sweeps feed forward along the discharge opening, eliminating the pulsating discharge pattern and creating a steady, continuous flow of materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If straight kickers are used, then lightweight materials can be discharged, but clogging occurs in the discharge opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge capabilityVSAvoiddischarge reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The kicker design transitions from a static radial configuration to a dynamic swept configuration that adapts to the discharge process. The swept kicker's angled leading edge creates a dynamic sweeping action that continuously directs feed materials forward along the discharge opening, adjusting the force vector throughout the rotation to maintain optimal discharge pressure without pulling feed back.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swept kicker design ensures continuous useful action by maintaining constant outward urging of feed materials throughout the entire rotation cycle. The angled leading edge configuration ensures that the kicker continuously sweeps feed forward along the discharge opening, eliminating the pulsating discharge pattern and creating a steady, continuous flow of materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 swept kickers facilitate a smooth, steady flow of feed materials through the discharge opening, reducing clogging and increasing discharge speed by maintaining a consistent urging action along the discharge opening's length.

Implementation Method 1

The swept kickers facilitate a smooth, steady flow of feed materials through the discharge opening, reducing clogging and increasing discharge speed by maintaining a consistent urging action along the discharge opening's length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS7347616B2Swept kickers for vertical mixer augers

Publication Date: 2008.03.25 KUHN NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A vertical feed mixer apparatus has a container for the reception of feed. The container includes a floor, a wall extending away from the floor such that the wall is disposed above the floor. The wall has a top opening disposed remotely from the floor to define an enclosure for feed received through the top opening. The container has a discharge opening in the wall adjacent to the floor. There is at least one auger disposed within the enclosure. The auger includes an auger core with an axis of rotation extending substantially vertically through the floor. The auger has a helical flighting secured to and disposed around the auger core. The auger has at least one swept kicker secured to the auger core or flighting, disposed adjacent to the floor, and configured to discharge the feed through the discharge opening.