Vertical Support Member for Comminutor Cutter Shaft Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing comminutor systems face issues with excessive deflection of cutter shafts during maceration of heavy solids, leading to incomplete grinding and potential shaft failure, and the floating intermediate shaft supports wear unevenly, requiring frequent replacement and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A comminutor design featuring a vertical support member with an internal channel and adjustable friction fittings to securely mount intermediate shaft supports, along with a lubrication system that allows continuous lubrication, enhancing wear resistance and reducing maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If floating intermediate shaft supports are installed to limit cutter shaft deflection, then shaft deflection is reduced, but the supports wear unevenly and require frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutter shaft deflectionVSAvoidshaft support wear life

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple components: a fixed vertical support member and removable intermediate shaft supports. This segmentation allows the permanent structure to bear the primary load while the removable supports can be easily replaced when worn, resolving the contradiction between stability and wear life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical support member as an intermediary structure that provides stable, permanent support for the cutter shafts. This fixed structure eliminates the wear problems of floating supports while maintaining the necessary shaft positioning and deflection control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If intermediate shaft supports are installed to prevent shaft deflection, then grinding completeness is improved, but maintenance time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrinding completenessVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into a permanent vertical support member and removable intermediate shaft supports. This allows the main structure to remain in place while only the worn removable supports need replacement, significantly reducing maintenance time compared to replacing entire support assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate shaft supports are designed to be removable and replaceable. When these supports wear out, they can be easily removed and replaced without disturbing the permanent vertical support member or other components, enabling quick maintenance and minimal downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Stability of the object's composition

If floating shaft supports are used to maintain shaft position, then shaft stability is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft positionVSAvoidwear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented between a permanent vertical support member that provides stable, wear-resistant support and removable intermediate shaft supports that maintain shaft position. This division allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines the advantages of different support approaches: the permanent vertical support member provides the stable, wear-resistant foundation, while the removable intermediate supports provide the necessary shaft positioning. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between stability and wear resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively reduces wear and deflection of cutter shafts, improving the comminutor's operational reliability and extending the lifespan of components by providing stable support and continuous lubrication, thus minimizing downtime for maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a lubrication line extending from the top housing to the first shaft support. A least a portion of the lubrication line lies within the internal channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

adjustable friction fittings to securely mount intermediate shaft supports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9421550B2Vertical support member for intermediate yokes on comminutor cutter shafts

Publication Date: 2016.08.23 SULZER MANAGEMENT AG

AI summary

A comminutor for reducing the particle size of solid waste is provided. The comminutor includes at least two shafts, each fitted with a cutting element. A top portion of each of the shafts is rotatably mounted to a top housing and a bottom portion of each of the shafts is rotatably mounted to a bottom housing. The comminutor also includes a first shaft support disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion for rotatably supporting each of the shafts and a vertical support member attached to the top housing and the bottom housing, the first shaft support being coupled to the vertical support member.