Ceramic Compaction Unit Dust Removal via Pneumatic Blowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ceramic product compacting processes face issues with dust dispersion leading to mechanical component deterioration, inhomogeneous tile formation, and production slowdowns due to dust accumulation, which current suction-based cleaning solutions inadequately address, particularly in the area below the matrix.

Innovation Solution

A compaction unit with a matrix having lateral openings and an ejector block, equipped with detection and signaling means to identify and remove dispersed powders, preventing damage by blocking the production chain when dust accumulation is detected, and incorporating a blowing member for cleaning during the compaction process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction apparatuses are used to collect dispersed powders, then dust accumulation is reduced, but filtering elements require periodic replacement causing production chain interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal effectivenessVSAvoidproduction chain interruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful dispersed powders from the production environment through a blowing member that directs compressed air to remove powders from critical areas, eliminating the need for suction apparatuses with filtering elements that require replacement and cause production interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a blowing member powered by compressed air to remove dispersed powders, replacing the mechanical suction system with a pneumatic solution that avoids filtering element replacement and maintains continuous production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of manufacture

If compressed air jets are used to clean dies, then dust deposits are removed, but production chain must be stopped causing slowdowns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary cleaning action by continuously or periodically activating the blowing member during or between compaction cycles to remove dispersed powders before they accumulate to damaging levels, eliminating the need to stop production for cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blowing member maintains continuous or frequent cleaning action to prevent dust accumulation, ensuring the cleaning function operates without interrupting the production flow, thereby maintaining both cleanliness and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If powders are compacted in die cavities, then ceramic products are formed, but dispersed powders accumulate in interstices causing mechanical component deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction volumeVSAvoidmechanical component durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blowing member acts as an intermediary between the dispersed powders and the mechanical components, using compressed air to remove powders from interstices before they can cause deterioration, thus protecting mechanical components while maintaining high production volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of dispersed powders into a detectable signal by using sensors to detect powder accumulation, which then triggers the blowing member to remove the powders, transforming a potential damage source into a controllable cleaning trigger

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If detection means are added to identify dispersed powders, then die damage is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedie protectionVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical detection systems with simple sensor-based detection means that can identify dispersed powders through electrical or optical signals, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable die protection

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection means provide feedback signals when dispersed powders are detected, which automatically trigger the blowing member to remove the powders, creating a simple closed-loop system that protects dies without requiring complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 unit effectively removes dispersed powders, prevents die damage, ensures consistent tile formation, and allows for efficient cleaning within existing production lines, maintaining production precision and reducing economic losses.

Implementation Method 1

a blowing member which can be activated in the volume between the matrix and the ejector block with a view to removing dispersed powders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3990239B1Unit and method for compacting ceramic products
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 REALMECCANICA SRL
  • EP3990239B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3990239B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3990239B1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

The unit for compacting ceramic products comprises a matrix (2) wherein at least one opening (22) is made; a punch (3) arranged inside said opening (22) to define the bottom of a die for compacting the powders suitable for making said ceramic products; an ejector block (9) placed under said matrix (2) and associated with said punch (3). The compaction unit comprises a blowing member which may be activated in the volume between said matrix (2) and said ejector block (9), and signaling means (70) configured to detect the presence of dispersed dust (P) in said volume between said matrix (2) and said ejector block (9), so that the production chain is blocked for removing said dispersed powders.