Torsionally Flexible Connecting Element for Spreader Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreading machines lack effective overload protection and accident prevention mechanisms, particularly when encountering uncrushable objects or user errors, leading to potential accidents and damage.
Innovation Solution
A torsionally flexible connecting element, designed as an elongated leaf spring or spring assembly, is integrated between the drive device and the stirring element, acting as a switch-off and overload protection mechanism. This element is arranged within a hollow shaft to enhance rigidity and prevent contamination, ensuring the stirring device can twist elastically to avoid damage and accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid connecting element is used between the drive device and the stirring element, then the stirring device maintains its intended position and structural stability, but the device cannot provide overload protection or accident prevention when encountering uncrushable objects
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element's rigidity parameter is changed by using a torsionally elastic design that allows rotational deformation. The leaf spring configuration enables the connection to transition from a rigid state to a flexible state under excessive torque, providing overload protection while maintaining positional stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed to be dynamically adaptable - rigid during normal operation to maintain positioning, but capable of elastic deformation when overload occurs. The torsionally elastic leaf springs allow the system to transition from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection under stress conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connecting element is designed to be torsionally flexible to provide overload protection, then accident prevention and damage avoidance are improved, but the stirring device may deviate from its intended position
Solution Approach 1:
The torsionally elastic leaf springs act as a cushioning element that absorbs excessive torque before it can cause damage. The elastic deformation capacity is designed in advance to accommodate overload conditions, protecting the stirring device and surrounding structures from harmful effects while maintaining adequate positioning control.
3Ease of repair
If the connecting element is exposed externally for easy access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but contamination from dirt and fertilizer can enter the connecting element mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is nested within the hollow shaft structure, which serves as a protective enclosure. This nested configuration protects the connecting element from contamination by dirt and fertilizer while still allowing for reasonable access during maintenance operations through the hollow shaft opening.
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 provides high protection against accidents and damage by allowing the stirring device to twist beyond the freewheel's rotational angle, preventing damage to the device and human safety while maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting element is designed to be torsionally elastic in such a way that the connecting element can twist beyond the angle of rotation of the freewheel
Implementation Method 2
The torsionally elastic connecting element can be realized in a simple manner in that the connecting element is configured as at least one elongated leaf spring and as a spring assembly configured with a plurality of leaf springs arranged next to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The spreader device has a storage container (1) and a stirring device arranged in the lower region of the storage container. The stirring device is located above a metering device (3) and is connected with a stirring element by a connecting element through a drive device. The connecting element arranged between a drive unit and the stirring element is torsionally flexible or is designed as a torsion spring. The torsionally flexible connecting element is arranged in a hollow shaft arranged in the storage container.