Dispensing Port Adapter Sleeve for Plastic Pellet Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapter devices fail to prevent the loss of plastic pellets from a feed tube to a suction tube when transferring materials from a hopper, particularly in railcars, due to the inability to enclose the ends of the piping within an enclosed space.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with a chamber space that removably receives the feed tube, secured by a securing member and sealed by a seal to prevent pellet exit, allowing the suction tube to extend through, ensuring the pellets remain within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a conventional adapter device is used to couple feed tube and suction tube, then the tubes can be connected, but plastic pellets are lost during the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is nested within the feed tube, with the suction tube positioned inside the feed tube's interior space. The adapter device encloses both tubes within a housing structure, creating a nested configuration that prevents pellet loss while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device acts as an intermediary component between the feed tube and suction tube. It provides a transition chamber that receives pellets from the feed tube and directs them to the suction tube, preventing pellets from falling outside the intended path during removal.
2Loss of substance
If the suction tube is positioned to collect pellets, then pellet collection is efficient, but pellets may exit through the aperture and be lost
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal member is positioned at the aperture of the adapter device. This flexible element closes the aperture during pellet removal operations, preventing pellets from exiting through the opening while allowing the system to maintain ease of operation through simple sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is positioned in advance to prevent pellets from exiting through the aperture before any loss can occur. The adapter housing encloses the tubes and pellets, creating a preliminary barrier that stops potential pellet loss through the aperture opening.
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
Effectively prevents plastic pellet loss during transfer by securing the feed tube and sealing the aperture, maintaining containment and facilitating efficient material collection.
Implementation Method 1
A seal is attached to the end wall and covers the aperture to restrict the pellets from exiting the sleeve through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a suction tube extends through a seal closing the first end such that the seal forms a barrier around the suction tube
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing port adapter device for preventing a loss of pellets from a feed tube to a suction tube includes a sleeve extending from a first end to a second end. A chamber space is defined within the sleeve and the second end receives the feed tube of the railway car hopper into the chamber space of the sleeve. An end wall is attached to the sleeve and covers the first end. The end wall has an aperture extending therethrough to receive the suction tube. A securing member is mounted on the sleeve and secures the sleeve to the feed tube wherein an outlet of the feed tube is positioned within the chamber space. A seal is attached to the end wall and covers the aperture to prevent the pellets from exiting the sleeve through the aperture.