Thick Matter Pump Cleaning Opening Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sludge pumps face challenges in completely emptying and cleaning the material feed container without risking operator injury, as current safety measures hinder efficient flow and require shutting down the moving element for safety, making it difficult to empty and clean effectively.
Innovation Solution
The closure cover can be positioned in an intermediate position allowing a defined opening segment while the moving element operates, with a switching element connected to the control device triggering a safety shutdown if the cover is opened beyond this segment, enabling safe emptying and cleaning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid is provided as a mechanical safeguard to prevent operator injury, then operator safety is improved, but concrete flow speed deteriorates and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning opening is segmented into two functional zones: a first region that remains permanently open for continuous concrete flow, and a second region that can be opened for cleaning operations. This segmentation allows safety and productivity to coexist by separating the flow path from the cleaning access path.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure cover acts as an intermediary mechanism that selectively opens only the second region of the cleaning opening while maintaining the first region as a permanent flow passage. This intermediary structure enables cleaning access without blocking the concrete flow path.
2Reliability
If the moving element is switched off when the closure lid is opened, then operator safety is improved, but complete emptying and effective cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning opening is divided into a first region for continuous operation and a second region for cleaning access. The closure cover selectively opens the second region while leaving the first region open, allowing the moving element to remain operational during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure cover provides dynamic control over the cleaning opening, allowing selective opening of the second region while maintaining the first region as permanently open. This dynamic configuration enables the moving element to continue operating during cleaning, improving ease of operation while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If the closure cover is fully opened for cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but the moving element must be stopped which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning opening is segmented into a first region that remains permanently open for continuous concrete flow and a second region that can be opened for cleaning. This segmentation allows cleaning access to the second region without stopping the moving element, as the first region maintains operational flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure cover serves as an intermediary that selectively opens only the second region of the cleaning opening while leaving the first region open. This intermediate configuration provides sufficient cleaning access without requiring full closure opening, thereby maintaining moving element operation and productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thick matter pump, comprising a material feed container (14), a motor-driven movement element (16, 50) that engages in the material feed container (14) and is controlled by a control device, a cleaning opening that is arranged at the bottom of the material feed container, and a closing cover (70) that can be moved relative to the cleaning opening (70) between a closing position and an open position. A special feature of the invention is that, during ongoing operation of the movement element (16, 50), the closing cover (70) can be positioned in an intermediate position within a defined opening segment (60), wherein the control device responds to an opening process of the closing cover beyond the defined opening segment, triggering a safety shutdown of the movement element (16, 50). This measure allows the material feed container (14) to be emptied and cleaned without the risk of injury.