Worm Gear Separator Coupling for Fast Sieve Gap Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation devices for inhomogeneous feed materials, such as recycling and waste separation, require labor-intensive and time-consuming adjustments of screen gap widths, leading to suboptimal separation due to infrequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupling means with gears that allow for easy detachment and adjustment of screen size by transitioning between engaged and disengaged positions, eliminating the need for roller chains and reducing wear, thereby simplifying the adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roller chains are used to couple adjacent rotating elements, then rotational coupling is achieved, but adjustment of screen gap requires detaching and reattaching chains which is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into individual coupling elements that can be independently detached and adjusted. Each coupling element connects adjacent rotating elements and can be separately accessed for adjustment without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable between engaged and disengaged states. This allows the screen gap to be modified by rotating adjacent spiral shafts relative to each other while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If roller chains are used for coupling, then rotational coupling is achieved, but wear occurs and maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The roller chain coupling system is replaced with a direct mechanical coupling system using coupling elements with gear teeth that engage with corresponding teeth on adjacent spiral shafts. This eliminates wear associated with roller chains while maintaining rotational coupling functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spiral shafts are rotated to adjust gap width, then screen separation size is changed, but the process requires detaching coupling elements which increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into discrete, independently adjustable coupling elements. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of individual gaps without affecting the entire screen deck, enabling maintenance with minimal operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling elements are designed with preliminary detachability, allowing adjustment to be performed quickly by simply releasing the coupling element before rotating the spiral shafts. This pre-configured design eliminates complex adjustment procedures and reduces downtime.
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
Facilitates quick and economical adjustment of sieve gaps, reducing operating costs and wear, ensuring optimal separation efficiency with minimal downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling means has a gear for meshing with a shaft gear on each of the immediately adjacent rotating elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for separating feed material, comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted rotating elements (2) designed as worm gears, wherein a rotating element (2) has a shaft (3), in particular a core tube, and at least one helix (4) extending spirally around the shaft (3), wherein immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) are each coupled to one another via a coupling means (5) for rotational coupling. According to the invention, the coupling means (5) comprises a gear for meshing with a shaft gear (6) on each of the immediately adjacent rotating elements (2).