Ceramic Tile Dryer Manifold Layout for Uniform Hot-Air Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dryers for ceramic tiles and slabs fail to uniformly regulate the flow of hot air, leading to uneven drying and potential damage during the firing process due to temperature variations and non-uniform moisture levels.
Innovation Solution
The dryer employs two manifolds positioned above and below the drying channel, with uniform and homogeneous air distribution through aligned openings, allowing independent regulation of air flow in different zones and incorporating a collection drawer for easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hot air is conveyed through fixed tubular terminals, then the dryer structure is simple, but the air flow distribution is non-uniform causing uneven drying
Solution Approach 1:
The drying channel is divided into multiple zones along the advancement direction, with each zone having independently controllable air distribution terminals. This segmentation allows different air flow rates to be applied to different zones, enabling uniform drying across the entire channel while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution terminals are made adjustable along the advancement direction of products, allowing the air flow rate in each zone to be dynamically regulated. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying drying requirements in different zones, achieving uniform drying without requiring a complex fixed infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air flow rate is fixed in all terminals, then the device is simple to operate, but zones with different temperature cannot be regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple independently controllable terminals along the advancement direction. Each terminal can be individually adjusted to provide the appropriate air flow rate for its specific zone, enabling the system to adapt to different drying requirements without overwhelming operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each air distribution terminal is equipped with independent adjustment capability, allowing the air flow rate to be locally optimized for each zone along the advancement direction. This local quality approach ensures that each region receives the precise air flow it needs while keeping the overall system relatively simple to operate.
3Ease of repair
If tubular terminals are used for air distribution, then the structure is simple, but cleaning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional tubular terminals that are difficult to clean, the invention inverts the approach by using adjustable air distribution terminals with open structures. These inverted designs allow easy access for cleaning while still providing effective air distribution, eliminating the cleaning difficulty associated with conventional tubular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable air distribution terminals are designed to facilitate self-cleaning or easy maintenance by operators. The open structure and adjustable components allow for straightforward access during cleaning operations, enabling the system to maintain itself with minimal complex maintenance procedures.
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
Ensures uniform moisture distribution across all products, preventing damage during firing and facilitating quick and effective cleaning without requiring substantial modifications to existing machinery.
Implementation Method 1
A flow of hot air is conveyed into each channel of the dryer, which hits the products, reducing the moisture therein
Implementation Method 2
A flow of hot air is conveyed into each channel of the dryer, which hits the products, reducing the moisture therein
Data Source
AI summary
A dryer for ceramic products, such as for example slabs or tiles, comprising: a drying chamber (1): at least one drying channel (10), comprising a shelf (11) for one or more ceramic products: at least two manifolds (20), positioned respectively above and below the shelf (11), each of which is connected to a source of conditioned air. The manifold (20) located above the shelf (11) has an extended shape and is provided with a flat lower surface (21a), which in the plan view covers at least a portion of the shelf (11) and is provided with a plurality of lower openings (22a) for emitting the conditioned air into the drying channel (10). The manifold (20) located below the shelf (11) has an extended shape and is provided with a flat upper surface (21b), which in the plan view covers at least a portion of the shelf (11) and is provided with a plurality of upper openings (22b) for emitting the conditioned air into the drying channel (10).