Blast Treatment Device With Segmented Media Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blast treatment devices require large and complex mechanisms to handle large or complex-shaped workpieces, such as aircraft parts, leading to inefficiencies in media delivery and recovery, particularly when dealing with composite materials like GFRP or CFRP.

Innovation Solution

A blast treatment device with a movable nozzle and tank system, including a second tank that remains stationary, coupled to the first tank via a detachable hose, and a circulating system for media recovery and reuse, utilizing ceramic particles of specific sizes to prevent clogging and improve recovery rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a multijoint arm with very long and large scale is used to handle large workpieces, then the workpiece size capability is improved, but the device complexity and preparation requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece size capabilityVSAvoidarm structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the media supply system into two separate tanks: a first tank that moves with the nozzle to maintain constant distance and pressure, and a second tank that remains stationary for media storage. This segmentation allows the system to handle large workpieces without requiring a complex multijoint arm structure, as the movable first tank is supplied by the stationary second tank through a flexible hose connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tank is moved together with the nozzle to maintain constant distance, then the injection pressure stability is improved, but the media supply pathway complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection pressure stabilityVSAvoidmedia supply pathway complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flexible hose as an intermediary connection between the movable first tank and the stationary second tank. This hose allows the first tank to move with the nozzle while maintaining a connection to the media supply source, thus preserving injection pressure stability without creating a rigid complex pathway structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different operational characteristics to different parts of the tank system: the first tank moves locally with the nozzle to maintain constant distance and stable pressure, while the second tank remains stationary for stable media storage. This local differentiation optimizes both pressure stability and system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable hose connection is used between tanks, then the system adaptability is improved, but the potential for connection issues worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a detachable hose connection that transitions between connected and disconnected states based on operational needs. During media transfer, the connection is established for reliable supply; during nozzle movement and blast treatment, the connection can be disconnected to avoid interference. This dynamic connection approach enhances adaptability while managing reliability through appropriate connection timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2990161B1Blast treatment device and blast treatment method
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SUBARU CORP
  • EP2990161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2990161B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2990161B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a blast treatment device (1) includes at least one nozzle (7) that injects media (M) toward a workpiece (W), a first tank (3) that supplies the media (M) to the at least one nozzle (7), a movement structure (4) that moves the at least one nozzle (7) and the first tank (3), and a second tank (5) that supplies the media (M) to the first tank (3). The second tank (5) is not moved by the movement structure (4).