Cam-Actuated Trigger Mechanism for Dust Filter Pulse Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical trigger mechanisms for air pulse cleaning systems in bag type or cartridge filter systems are complex and prone to arcing issues due to rotary electrical connections, requiring a more simplified and reliable mechanism for efficient cleaning pulse delivery.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically operated trigger mechanism using a rotary cam with a pair of cam lobes to control the release of compressed air pulses, allowing for twice the number of pulse releases per rotation and reducing the speed of the distribution arm, thereby increasing dwell time over filter groups for enhanced cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a rotary electrical connection is used to control air pulse release, then the cleaning system can be automated and synchronized with bag rotation, but the system becomes complex and prone to arcing issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of air pulse releaseVSAvoidcomplexity of rotary electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rotary electrical connection system with a purely mechanical trigger mechanism. A cam-actuated valve uses mechanical motion from the rotating distribution arm to directly open and close the air pulse release valve, eliminating all electrical components including rotary connections, solenoids, and photoelectric cells. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining automation through mechanical synchronization while eliminating the complexity and arcing problems of electrical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a photoelectric cell and counter system is used to control pulse frequency, then precise timing can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming precision of air pulsesVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical trigger mechanism is self-actuating through the cam-follower-valve linkage. The rotation of the distribution arm directly drives the cam, which automatically opens the valve at the correct timing position. The system uses its own mechanical motion to control the timing without requiring external sensors, counters, or electrical control circuits. This self-service approach achieves precise timing through mechanical geometry while eliminating the complexity of electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the distribution arm rotates at high speed to clean all bags, then productivity increases, but the dwell time over each bag group decreases reducing cleaning effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of bag cleaningVSAvoiddwell time over bag group
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism is designed with specific lobe positions that create periodic air pulse releases synchronized with the distribution arm rotation. By strategically positioning the cam lobes, the system releases air pulses at optimal intervals that maintain effective dwell time over each bag group. This periodic action allows the system to rotate continuously at productive speeds while ensuring each bag group receives properly timed and durationed cleaning pulses, resolving the contradiction between speed and dwell time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 mechanism ensures optimal timing and frequency of air pulses for effective cleaning, reducing the complexity and potential arcing issues of previous systems while maintaining efficient cleaning performance.

Implementation Method 1

a cam mechanism which converts the rotation of the distribution arm into periodic opening and closing of the valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

a spring-loaded diaphragm valve that uses elastic potential energy to control the timing and duration of air pulse release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7494521B2Trigger mechanism for dust filter pulse cleaning system
Publication Date: 2009.02.24 SCHENCK PROCESS LLC
  • US7494521B2 patent drawing
  • US7494521B2 patent drawing
  • US7494521B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A trigger mechanism for a dust filter pulse cleaning system includes a trigger frame, a trigger valve assembly including a reciprocating valve member having a valve head resiliently urged toward a valve seat and a striker head at an opposite end, a trigger arm pivotally connected to the trigger frame and including a cam follower, a twin lobed trigger cam journaled on the trigger frame and engaging the cam follower, and a pinion gear joined to the trigger cam and adapted for engagement with a fixed spur gear mounted coaxially with a rotary pulse cleaning air distribution arm extending from a rotary air tank. The trigger mechanism is mounted on the air tank and rotates therewith. An air release conduit is connected to the trigger valve and causes the opening of a main diaphragm valve to release air pulses from the air tank when pressure is released from the release line. Compressed air within the release line also acts to urge the valve head against the valve seat. The release valve is opened by engagement of the cam lobes with the cam follower, thereby releasing compressed air from the release line.