Coating Material Distribution Bar with Partition Wall Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating machines face challenges in achieving uniform distribution and precise dosing of viscous coating materials like chocolate, as the volume flow through nozzles varies with distance from the inlet, leading to potential clumping and irregular coating.
Innovation Solution
A feed device with a distributor bar featuring a partition wall with openings that maintain consistent pressure across the length, ensuring uniform flow conditions and precise dosing, combined with heat transfer mechanisms to maintain temperature and prevent solidification, and a system for compensating flow losses and controlling nozzles for efficient coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a long distributor bar is used to cover the entire coating space, then the coating area is increased, but the volume flow through nozzles varies with distance from the inlet causing non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor bar is divided into multiple chambers by partition walls with openings, creating segmented flow paths that allow independent pressure control in different sections, thereby achieving uniform distribution across the entire coating area
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the distributor bar are equipped with locally adapted opening sizes in partition walls to compensate for distance-related flow losses, ensuring each local region receives appropriate flow conditions for uniform coating
2Ease of manufacture
If the distributor bar structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but temperature control and flow compensation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (flow distribution, temperature control, pressure regulation) are merged into a single integrated distributor bar structure with internal chambers and partition walls, achieving complex functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor bar serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it distributes coating material, maintains temperature through insulated chambers, compensates for flow losses, and provides structural support for nozzles, all within a single manufactured component
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 solution enables precise dosing and uniform distribution of coating materials, preventing clumping and ensuring high-quality coatings by maintaining consistent pressure and temperature, allowing for longer distributor bars and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the openings being designed in this way are that essentially the same pressure prevails in the second chamber in the longitudinal direction of the distributor bar
Implementation Method 2
This allows the heat transfer between the manifold bar and the connector body to be used to maintain the temperature of the spray nozzle at a sufficiently high level to maintain a meltable coating material at the desired temperature
Implementation Method 3
spray nozzles for generating a spray jet, which have a spray body which is connected with channels to a pressurized gas source, in particular compressed air
Data Source
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AI summary
Feeding device for a coating material, preferably chocolate, comprises: a distribution bar (1) exhibiting a feed line for the coating material and several lockable nozzles (6) on it; a first chamber connected to the feed line in the distribution bar; and a partition wall (5) provided with openings for forming a second chamber, in the distribution bar. The nozzles are connected on the second chamber and the openings are formed such that the pressure in the second chamber in the longitudinal direction of the distribution bar is same as the pressure in the first chamber. Feeding device for a coating material, preferably chocolate, comprises: a distribution bar (1) exhibiting a feed line for the coating material and several lockable nozzles (6) on it, which are at least partially impinged with a gas and are formed as spray nozzles; a first chamber connected to the feed line in the distribution bar; and a partition wall (5) provided with openings for forming a second chamber, in the distribution bar. The nozzles are connected on the second chamber and the openings are formed such that the pressure in the second chamber in the longitudinal direction of the distribution bar is same as the pressure in the first chamber. An independent claim is also included for a dragee-making device comprising a coating room, where at least one above mentioned feeding device is arranged in the coating room.