Vibrator Shaft Phase Control for Resonance-Safe Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory machines for screening and feeding materials require high energy for driving unbalanced shaft lines and are prone to resonance issues when stopping, which can lead to damage.

Innovation Solution

A vibratory system with shaft lines driven in synchronous rotation and an angle modifier device that adjusts the angular position of unbalance modules relative to each other, allowing for reduced energy consumption and minimizing resonance risks by configuring the modules in phase opposition during startup and adjusting vibration amplitude based on material quantity and quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unbalanced shaft lines are driven in rotation to generate vibration for screening and feeding materials, then the machine performs its screening and feeding function, but a large amount of energy is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening and feeding functionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by controlling the phase difference between unbalance modules. By adjusting the angular positions of unbalance modules on different shaft lines, the system can operate in different modes: full vibration for screening/feeding, reduced vibration for resonance avoidance, and zero vibration for resonance-free stopping. This parameter control resolves the contradiction by enabling high productivity only when needed while reducing energy consumption during other phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by cycling through different operational phases: starting with phase opposition to avoid resonance, transitioning to in-phase operation for screening/feeding, and returning to phase opposition before stopping. This periodic modulation of the vibration state allows the system to achieve high productivity during the feeding/screening phase while minimizing energy consumption during startup and stopping phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If unbalanced shaft lines are driven at high energy to generate vibration, then screening and feeding efficiency is improved, but resonance frequencies may be excited during stopping, causing damage to machine portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening and feeding efficiencyVSAvoidmachine damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning unbalance modules in phase opposition before stopping the shaft lines. This preliminary configuration creates a counterbalancing effect that prevents resonance from occurring during the stopping process. By preparing the system in advance to counteract potential resonance, the patent protects the machine from damage while maintaining high productivity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the angular positions of unbalance modules adjustable and controllable. The system dynamically transitions between different phase configurations (opposition and alignment) based on operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its vibration characteristics in real-time, preventing resonance during stopping while maintaining efficient screening and feeding during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the angular position of unbalance modules is fixed, then the machine structure is simple, but the vibration amplitude cannot be adjusted according to material quantity and quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidvibration amplitude adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing adjustable angular positioning mechanisms for unbalance modules. Instead of fixed positions, the unbalance modules can be rotated to different angular orientations on their respective shaft lines. This dynamic positioning capability enables continuous adjustment of vibration amplitude by changing the phase relationship between modules, providing adaptability for different material quantities and qualities while adding only moderate structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system reduces energy needed for operation and minimizes the risk of resonance, achieving efficient and controlled vibration with adjustable amplitude, thereby extending machine lifespan and improving operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

Each unbalanced shaft line has a rotary shaft and an unbalance module constrained to rotate with said shaft. The shaft lines are driven in rotation so as to generate vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the frequency of vibration may come close to the resonant frequency of damper elements on which the frame of the machine is mounted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

when stopping rotary drive, the vibration frequencies that are generated may include values that correspond to resonant frequencies of certain portions of the machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3265246B1A screening and/or feeder vibrator machine and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY
  • EP3265246B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3A
  • EP3265246B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3265246B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a vibratory system (7) for a screening and/or feeder machine, the vibratory system (7) comprising shaft lines (1, 2), each shaft line (1, 2) having an unbalance module (12, 21), said vibratory system (7) also having a drive device configured to drive the shaft lines (1, 2) in rotation in synchronous manner and in the same direction. Said vibratory system (7) also comprises an angle modifier device (4) configured to modify the angular position of the unbalance module (21) of one shaft line (2) relative to the angular position of the unbalance module (12) of the other shaft line (1) or of one of the other shaft lines.