Artificial Stone Material Distribution Hopper with Curved Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material distribution machines for artificial stone plates face issues with material adhesion, non-uniform distribution, and blockages due to inclined walls, and require demolding agents that can lead to uneven coating and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A material distribution apparatus with an inclined first wall and vertically mounted second wall, along with a belt material distribution device and auxiliary distribution devices, ensures smooth material flow and uniform distribution without the need for demolding agents, using a leatheroid and material distribution frame to simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an inclined wall structure is adopted for the second wall of the hopper, then material discharge is facilitated, but the mixed materials are easily blocked in the hopper and the capacity of the hopper is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the second wall with a circular arc portion instead of a straight inclined wall. This curved structure allows materials to flow smoothly along the arc toward the discharge outlet, preventing blockages while maximizing the hopper's storage capacity. The circular arc geometry creates a natural flow path that maintains material movement speed without requiring the hopper to be narrower.
2Productivity
If mechanical material distribution is used, then material distribution efficiency is improved, but raw materials are adhered and agglomerated together on the machines and material distribution is not uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying belt is designed with an inclined upper surface that creates a curved flow path for materials. This inclination causes materials to slide and distribute uniformly across the belt surface, preventing adhesion and agglomeration. The curved geometry ensures consistent material flow and distribution while maintaining high-speed mechanical operation.
3Strength
If a rubber mold with a receiving bottom is adopted, then material containment is improved, but a demolding agent must be coated which increases production cost and may be unevenly coated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid rubber mold with a flexible leatheroid film that serves as the receiving bottom. This thin film structure provides adequate containment for materials during distribution while being inherently release-friendly, eliminating the need for demolding agents. The leatheroid's natural properties prevent adhesion without requiring additional coating steps, simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 prevents blockages, ensures uniform material distribution, and eliminates the need for demolding agents, enhancing efficiency and reducing production costs by facilitating smooth material flow and uniform distribution.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a downward pushing force along an inclination direction of a first wall of a material distribution hopper between the mixed materials
Implementation Method 2
facilitating fall of the materials at a discharge outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A material distribution apparatus and preparing an artificial stone plate using the material distribution apparatus includes a belt material distribution device including a material distribution hopper and a conveying belt. The conveying belt is located at a lower portion of the material distribution hopper. An upper surface of the conveying belt is inclined. The material distribution hopper has a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is an inclined wall with an upper end away from the second wall. A discharge outlet is provided below the second wall. An upper portion of the second wall is vertically mounted, and a lower portion of the second wall has a circular arc portion and a discharge portion which forms the discharge outlet with a surface of the conveying belt therebetween.