Vibratory Spiral Conveyor With Magnetic Sorting Element Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibratory bowl feeders require complex and time-consuming processes for exchanging sorting elements, limiting their adaptability and efficiency in handling items of varying dimensions and types.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory spiral conveyor with a sorting bowl featuring a shoulder that spirals towards its upper edge and uses oppositely polarized magnets to detachably attach sorting elements, allowing for tool-free and rapid exchange of interchangeable attachment elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sorting elements are securely attached with screws or welded, then attachment strength is improved, but attachment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, welding) with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the sorting bowl and corresponding magnetic elements in the sorting elements create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for tools and complex fastening procedures while maintaining strong attachment forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary force between the sorting bowl and sorting elements. This magnetic intermediary provides both attachment strength and automatic alignment, allowing elements to be quickly attached and detached without mechanical fasteners while ensuring precise positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If sorting elements are welded or hand-formed, then attachment precision is improved, but adaptability and replacement speed worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system replaces permanent welding and hand-forming processes, enabling sorting elements to be quickly changed by simply attaching or detaching them from the sorting bowl. This maintains precise positioning through magnetic alignment while dramatically improving adaptability for different bulk materials and sorting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the attachment system from a static, permanent connection (welding) to a dynamic, reversible connection (magnetic attachment). This allows the sorting elements to be easily reconfigured and replaced depending on the sorting task, providing both precision and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conveyors are used for different sorting processes, then sorting capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sorting conveyor system where a single vibratory spiral conveyor can handle multiple sorting tasks by simply changing the sorting elements. The magnetic attachment system enables quick interchange of elements designed for different bulk materials and sorting requirements, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated conveyors and reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables fast and precise attachment and detachment of sorting elements, enhancing the conveyor's adaptability to sort and align bulk materials of different dimensions and types, reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the sorting bowl and the attachment element each have at least one magnet. When attached to the sorting bowl, the magnets lie opposite one another with opposite polarity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vibrating spiral conveyor (10) is shown. The vibrating spiral conveyor (10) comprises a vibratable sorting bowl (12) which has a shoulder (18) on its inside which spirals towards the upper edge (14) of the sorting bowl (12). In addition, the vibrating spiral conveyor (10) has at least one attachment element (22) on the sorting bowl (12), wherein the sorting bowl (12) and the attachment element (22) each have at least one magnet (24). When attached to the sorting bowl (12), the magnets (24) lie opposite one another with opposite polarity. The attachment element (22) is thus detachably attached to the sorting bowl (12) via the magnets (24).