A hatch mechanism for a pre-separator or dust extractor filter tank and a dust container holder for mating with such a hatch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dust extraction systems face challenges in efficiently emptying dust and slurry from pre-separators due to the formation of lumps and damage to dust container bags, and require inefficient manual filter cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hatch mechanism with pivotable obturator elements and a foldable design that prevents dust lump formation, combined with an automatic air pulse valve arrangement for filter cleaning, ensuring efficient dust disposal and filter maintenance without damaging containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid hinged metal hatches are used to separate the pre-separator chamber from the dust container, then the hatch structure is strong and stable, but the dust container bags may be damaged or punctured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal hatches with flexible obturator elements made of elastomeric material. These flexible elements can deform and adapt to the dust container bag surface, preventing punctures while maintaining the sealing function of the hatch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator elements are designed to be pivotable and foldable rather than rigidly fixed. This dynamic structure allows the elements to move and adjust during operation, accommodating pressure differences and preventing damage to the dust container bag while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a grid or net aperture is used in the hatch mechanism, then damage to dust container bags is reduced, but the ability to efficiently empty accumulated dust and slurry is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch mechanism is divided into multiple discrete obturator elements arranged around the aperture perimeter. These segmented elements can independently pivot and fold, creating an open configuration that provides unobstructed access for dust emptying while maintaining bag protection when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator elements transition between closed and open configurations through pivoting and folding motions. In the closed position, they protect the bag; in the open position, they create a wide aperture for efficient dust and slurry discharge, achieving both protection and productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hatch mechanism is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the aperture remains stable, but dust tends to form semi-solid lumps that are difficult to empty
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch mechanism incorporates flexible, pivotable obturator elements that can move in response to pressure differences during operation. This dynamic behavior prevents dust from forming lumps by allowing the aperture to adapt to flow conditions, while maintaining stability when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator elements change their configuration parameter from closed to open state through pivoting and folding. This parameter change allows the system to transition between maintaining aperture stability and enabling efficient dust flow, preventing lump formation.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual intervention is required for filter cleaning using relief valves, then the filter can be cleaned, but operational efficiency is reduced and manual labor is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The relief valve arrangement is designed to automatically generate reverse thrust air pulses for filter cleaning without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on pressure differential, improving operational efficiency while maintaining effective filter cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief valve arrangement responds to pressure differential feedback across the filter. When the pressure differential indicates filter clogging, the valve automatically activates to generate cleaning air pulses, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains productivity.
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 allows for convenient and efficient emptying of dust and slurry into containers without damaging them and automates filter cleaning, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the obturator elements are arranged to fold about respective hinge ends to a position of mutual support to close the hatch mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a relief valve to generate a reverse thrust of air, or air pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A hatch mechanism for a pre-separator 120, the mechanism comprising an aperture having a perimeter arranged in a plane, and at least three elongated obturator elements pivotably attached along the perimeter at respective hinge ends, each obturator element comprising a distal end arranged opposite to the hinge end along the extension direction of the obturator element, wherein adjacent obturator elements arranged along the perimeter are connected by foldable joining members arranged to guide the distal ends to a common intersection point distanced from the plane, whereby the obturator elements are arranged to fold about respective hinge ends to a position of mutual support to close the hatch mechanism.