Rotor-Stator Material Switch for Compact Multi-Line Conveying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material conveying and transporting systems lack the ability to provide a large number of connection options in a compact space, leading to inefficiencies and laborious manual refilling processes.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring a cylindrical body with a rotor and stator, allowing for a plurality of tubes with varying cross-sections and curvatures, enabling simultaneous connection of multiple supply and output lines without rotational movement, and utilizing a drive mechanism for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling stations with multiple pipelines are used, then connection options are provided, but the space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is nested within the stator, with multiple tubes arranged radially within the cylindrical body. This nested configuration allows multiple connection paths to be contained within a compact circular footprint, providing numerous connection options without proportionally increasing the occupied space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear or planar arrangement of pipelines to a three-dimensional radial configuration. By arranging tubes in multiple radial positions around a central axis and utilizing vertical space within the cylindrical body, the system achieves high connection density in a compact volume
2Productivity
If manual refilling is used, then material can be supplied to machines, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic material transfer through the rotor-stator mechanism, eliminating the need for manual refilling operations. The automated switching and connection capabilities allow the system to service itself by continuously supplying materials to machines without human intervention
3Productivity
If multiple supply and output lines are connected simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the complexity of the switch mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor-stator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a switching mechanism, a distribution hub, and a connection manager. The same radial structure enables both simultaneous multiple line operations and automated switching, reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into discrete radial positions on the rotor and stator, with individual tubes that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific connection paths while maintaining the overall compact structure, managing complexity through modular organization
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A diverter (10) for a device for conveying and/or transporting materials for at least one selective reversible connection of at least one feed line (36) with at least one output line (38) comprises at least one cylindrical body (14) with a plurality of connections (16), which serves as a stator, and at least one cooperating rotor (15) with a plurality of tubes (12) contained therein, which is rotatable relative to the stator, wherein the connections (16) are arranged radially around the cylindrical body (14), wherein the selective reversible connection of the at least one feed line (36) with the at least one output line (38) is effected by rotating the rotor (15). By having at least one tube (12) with a cross-section different from the rest of the tube (12) over at least a portion of its length, a plurality of connection possibilities are created in a very small space.