Dispersion Table Apertures for Slack Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating excess slack from product streams are inefficient, often requiring large and energy-intensive devices that complicate maintenance and inspection, and do not effectively address the issue of slack creation during processing.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dispersion feeder with a dispersion table that includes apertures between the product receiving and dispensing regions, allowing slack to be separated from the product stream as it is transferred radially across the table, combined with table vibration means to enhance slack removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a combination weigher with a rotating reservoir is used to separate slack from product, then slack separation is achieved, but the device becomes physically large, restricts access for maintenance, and consumes significant energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the slack separation function from the complex rotating reservoir system and implements it through simple apertures in the dispersion table. The apertures directly allow slack to fall through to collection channels below, eliminating the need for a separate rotating reservoir component while maintaining effective slack separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the slack separation function into the dispersion table itself by incorporating apertures directly into its structure. This integration eliminates the need for a separate rotating reservoir system, reducing device complexity while maintaining the slack separation functionality.
2Reliability
If the sealing step is delayed to allow slack to settle, then seal quality is improved, but processing speed and output are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs slack separation before the packaging and sealing operations by allowing slack to fall through apertures in the dispersion table during the product distribution phase. This preliminary separation ensures that by the time packaging occurs, slack has already been removed, maintaining seal quality without requiring delayed sealing.
3Ease of manufacture
If excess slack is allowed to float freely in packaging, then packaging is simpler, but product quality deteriorates due to burning or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes excess slack from the product stream before packaging by utilizing apertures in the dispersion table. This preliminary removal prevents slack from entering the packaging, thereby eliminating contamination and burning risks while maintaining simple packaging processes.
4Productivity
If slack is not separated before packaging, then processing is faster, but seal quality is compromised by slack trapped in the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary slack separation through apertures in the dispersion table during the product distribution phase. This allows slack to be removed before packaging occurs, ensuring seal quality is maintained while processing continues at normal speed without delays.
5Reliability
If slack is removed using a rotating reservoir system, then slack separation is effective, but energy consumption increases due to continuous rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the slack separation function from the energy-consuming rotating reservoir system and implements it through passive apertures in the dispersion table. Slack falls through the apertures under gravity into collection channels, eliminating the need for continuous rotation and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The apertures in the dispersion table passively separate slack from product without requiring external energy input. Slack naturally falls through the apertures under gravity, and the system self-regulates the separation process without continuous mechanical actuation or energy consumption.
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
This approach significantly reduces the amount of slack downstream, improving packaged product quality, increasing output, and simplifying maintenance by eliminating the need for additional large components and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
table vibration means to enhance slack removal
Implementation Method 2
the one or more apertures being positioned between the product receiving region and the product dispensing region
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 1b~1d
Figure 1e
AI summary
A dispersion feeder for distributing a product stream to a plurality of receiving devices arranged about the periphery of the dispersion feeder, the dispersion feeder comprising a dispersion table; wherein the dispersion table comprises: a product receiving region at the centre of the dispersion table configured to receive a product stream comprising product and slack, and a product dispensing region surrounding the product receiving region; wherein the dispersion table is configured to transfer the product radially from the product receiving region to the product dispensing region; characterised in that the dispersion table further comprises: one or more apertures extending through the dispersion table, the one or more apertures being positioned between the product receiving region and the product dispensing region.