Adjustable Mixing Tube for Gravimetric Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gravimetric dosing devices require production stoppage and manual replacement of mixing tubes for different applications, leading to inefficiencies in changing over between recipes due to varying bulk densities and flow properties.
Innovation Solution
A mixing tube with adjustable length and diameter, allowing for real-time optimization of material flow ratios without interrupting production, featuring a telescopic design and a conical outlet with radially adjustable incisions for precise control of material proportions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed mixing tube is used for gravimetric dosing, then the dosing precision is maintained, but the changeover effort and production downtime increase when switching between different recipes
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing tube is designed with adjustable length and diameter parameters, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different recipe requirements. The tube length can be adjusted by extending or retracting sections, and the diameter can be modified by changing the outlet configuration, enabling rapid changeover between applications without replacing the entire tube while maintaining dosing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the mixing tube (length and diameter) to optimize material flow for different recipes. By adjusting these parameters, the system can accommodate varying bulk densities and flow properties of different materials without interrupting production, thus reducing changeover time while preserving dosing accuracy
2Device complexity
If the mixing tube length is fixed, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different material flow requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing tube is divided into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted. The tube consists of a base section and one or more extendable sections that can be moved to change the overall length. This segmentation allows the tube to be configured for different applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing tube incorporates movable components that allow adjustment of length and diameter. The extendable sections can be positioned at different locations, and the outlet diameter can be modified, providing adaptability to various material flow requirements without significantly complicating the basic tube structure
3Manufacturing precision
If mixing tube replacement is required for different applications, then the optimization for specific material properties is achieved, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of replacing the mixing tube for different applications, the invention allows dynamic adjustment of the tube's length and diameter parameters. This enables optimization of material flow for specific material properties while maintaining continuous production, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing material flow optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mixing tube enables continuous production by eliminating the need to stop and replace tubes when changing recipes. The tube can be reconfigured during ongoing production to accommodate different material properties, ensuring uninterrupted operation and maintaining high 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
Enables seamless recipe changes and optimal material flow adjustments during ongoing production by allowing for continuous operation with varying ratios of main and secondary components, reducing operational downtime and improving process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a freely falling main component (1) and two secondary components (3, 4) fed via metering screws (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gravimetric dosing device for bulk materials, in which a main component (1) is fed into a mixing tube (9) which is installed in a neck piece (10) whose outlet leads into a processing machine, e.g., an extruder. The object of the invention is to reduce the changeover effort in such a dosing device for changing applications. This object is achieved by making the mixing tube (9) adjustable in length and/or diameter.