Vertical Agitator Lateral Insertion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vertical agitator assembly process is laborious and time-consuming, particularly in large sedimentation tanks where multiple agitators are used, and often results in improper alignment of the drive shaft with the safety bearing.
Innovation Solution
A vertical agitator design featuring a receiving section with a horizontal recess for lateral insertion of the shaft section, along with a support section to facilitate alignment and a single-piece metal receiving device with elongated holes for precise mounting, allowing for simplified and quick assembly without repeated fastening of the drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional mounting method with tower-like frame is used, then the vertical agitator can be assembled, but the assembly process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical agitator is divided into separable modules: the drive unit with drive shaft can be assembled independently, then connected to the agitator body via lateral insertion into the recess. This modular segmentation enables parallel assembly operations and eliminates the need for complex sequential fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is pre-formed in the agitator body at the correct position and orientation before final assembly. This preliminary preparation of the receiving structure allows for direct lateral insertion of the shaft section, eliminating the need for complex alignment and repeated fastening operations during the assembly process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conventional mounting method is used, then the vertical agitator can be assembled, but improper alignment of drive shaft with safety bearing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The recess acts as an intermediary guiding structure that receives and guides the shaft section into the correct position. This intermediate receiving structure ensures proper alignment between the drive shaft and safety bearing by providing a predetermined geometric path for insertion, eliminating alignment errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment problem is solved by changing from vertical alignment (top-down insertion) to lateral insertion through a recess. This dimensional change in the insertion approach allows for easier alignment and positioning of the shaft section relative to the safety bearing.
3Loss of time
If multiple fastening operations are performed during assembly, then the vertical agitator can be assembled, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting functions are merged into a single lateral insertion operation through the recess. Instead of separate fastening operations for positioning and securing, the recess structure combines alignment and retention functions into one operation, reducing assembly steps while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vertical agitator for wastewater and the like received in a sedimentation tank, wherein an agitator tool (5) is mounted on a drive shaft (4) extending vertically from a drive (1) mounted above a tank floor (2), wherein a free end (E2) of a shaft section (7) extending from the agitator tool (5) in the direction of the tank floor (2) is held in a safety bearing (14), wherein the safety bearing (14) is held in a retaining device (8) supported on the tank floor (2), wherein the retaining device (8) comprises a receiving section (9) for a receiving device (12) receiving the safety bearing (14). In order to simplify installation, the invention proposes that the receiving section (9) comprises a recess (11) opening in a substantially horizontal direction for laterally inserting the shaft section (7).