Ceramic Pressing Device Side Barriers for Particle Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressing devices for ceramic items face issues with ceramic powder particles escaping and depositing outside the pressing space, especially with thick layers, which can damage movable parts and compromise seals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of side barriers arranged laterally to contain the ceramic layer within the pressing space, preventing particles from escaping, while allowing the pressers to function without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If thick layers of ceramic material are pressed, then the pressing capacity is improved, but ceramic particles escape from the pressing space and deposit on movable parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of ceramic layerVSAvoidparticle escape and deposition
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible barrier element is introduced as an intermediary between the pressing space and the surrounding area. This barrier contains escaped ceramic particles while allowing the pressers to function normally, thus preventing particle deposition on movable parts without limiting the pressing of thick layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If side barriers are added to contain particles, then particle escape is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle containmentVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible barrier element, resembling a thin film or shell, is used to contain particles. This flexible structure can be easily installed and removed, and adapts to the pressing space geometry, thereby preventing particle escape without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier element is designed to be movable or adjustable, allowing it to adapt to different pressing conditions and layer thicknesses. This dynamic characteristic enables the barrier to maintain effectiveness while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and adaptable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 side barriers effectively prevent ceramic particles from falling outside the pressing space, maintaining the integrity of the machine and ensuring proper operation even with thick layers, by containing the load throughout the entire pressing cycle.

Implementation Method 1

The lower belt (2) is activated by means of rollers (R) arranged in relation to the pathway to be followed, in a known way in the art

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the two pressers are part of a press, not illustrated in detail, by which press they are activated to reciprocally near and distance so as to carry out the pressing of a deposited load (L) in the form of a layer of ceramic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3423268B1A pressing device
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 SYSTEM CERAMICS SPA
  • EP3423268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3423268B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3423268B1 patent drawingFigure 1b

AI summary

A pressing device, comprising: a lower presser (10), provided with a pressing surface (10a) facing upwards; an upper presser (11), provided with a pressing surface (11a), facing downwards; at least one of the two pressers is movable towards and away relative to the other in order to perform pressing of a layer (L) of a ceramic material; a pressing space (V) delimited inferiorly and superiorly by the lower presser (10) and by the upper presser (11); a lower belt (2), movable along a forward direction (Y) and comprising an active portion (3) arranged at least partially between the upper presser (11) and the lower presser (10); an upper belt (4), movable along the forward direction (Y) and comprising an active portion (5) arranged at least partially between the lower belt (2) and the upper presser (11); two side barriers (13,14,15), arranged to laterally contain the layer (L) within the pressing space (V).