Apparatus and method for treating a substrate with solid particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for treating and cleaning textiles require large volumes of water, leading to inefficiencies in water consumption, energy usage, and increased operational costs, and often involve complex apparatus with numerous moving components.
Innovation Solution
A drum-based apparatus with a rotatable storage compartment for solid particulate material, featuring a valve-controlled dispensing aperture that allows controlled dispensing of the material into the treatment area, eliminating the need for external pumps and sumps, and enabling centrifugal drying of the particulate material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional aqueous cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the cleaning medium from liquid (aqueous) to solid (particulate material). Solid particles are used instead of water for cleaning substrates, fundamentally altering the cleaning mechanism while dramatically reducing water consumption. The particles can be easily separated and reused, maintaining cleaning effectiveness without the water consumption issues of conventional methods.
2Device complexity
If external pumps and sumps are used for particulate material circulation, then material flow is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drum itself performs the function of both storage and dispensing mechanisms. As the drum rotates, gravity causes the particulate material to flow from the storage compartment through the dispensing aperture into the treatment area, and then back to the storage compartment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pumps, valves, and sumps that would otherwise be required to circulate the particulate material.
3Measurement precision
If valve control is added to the dispensing aperture, then dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is integrated into the rotating drum structure, with its opening and closing controlled by the drum's rotational position. As the drum rotates, the valve automatically opens and closes at specific points in the rotation cycle, providing precise control over when particulate material is dispensed. This dynamic control mechanism is driven by the drum's rotation itself, avoiding the need for separate complex valve actuation systems.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solid particles are used for cleaning, then water consumption is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to particle circulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of needing to circulate solid particles (which would require energy-consuming pumps) into a beneficial gravity-driven flow system. By positioning the storage compartment above the dispensing aperture and utilizing the drum's rotation, the system uses gravity to drive particle circulation, eliminating the need for energy-consuming pump systems while maintaining reduced water consumption benefits.
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 reduces water consumption, enhances dispensing control, and simplifies the apparatus design, leading to improved efficiency, reduced energy usage, and lower operational costs while maintaining effective treatment performance.
Implementation Method 1
enabling centrifugal drying of the particulate material
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to a drum (10) for rotatably mounting in an apparatus for use in the treatment of substrates with a solid particulate material; a method of treating a substrate comprising agitating the substrate in a drum (10); and a kit for converting an apparatus to comprise the drum (10). The drum has an inner surface (15) and an end wall (2) and access means (70) for introducing said substrates into said drum, wherein said drum (10) comprises: •(a) storage means (4) for storage of said solid particulate material, wherein at least part of said storage means is or comprises at least one cavity located in said end wall (2) of said drum (10); and•(c) a dispensing aperture (12) for dispensing solid particulate material from said storage means (4) into the interior of said drum (10), wherein said dispensing aperture (12) is comprised in said end wall (2) of said drum, characterised in that said drum (10) comprises a valve (6) that is actuatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein when said valve (6) is in said closed position said solid particulate material is prevented from passing through said dispensing aperture (12) and when said valve (6) is in said open position said solid particulate material is permitted to pass through said dispensing aperture (12).