Dosing Device Slide Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for removing bulk material from flexible bulk material containers, such as big bags, lack simplicity and reliability in opening and closing mechanisms, which complicates the metering process.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device with a cylindrical metering body and a detachable locking ball lock system that allows for easy opening and closing, featuring a slide that can be moved relative to a plate with through-openings, and an elastic restoring element to ensure reliable fixation and release, enabling precise metering of bulk material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional opening and closing mechanism is used in dosing devices, then the device can function, but the operation becomes complicated and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is segmented into modular components: a slide element that moves independently, a locking ball that engages with specific openings, and an elastic element that provides resetting force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, while the overall mechanism remains compact and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element (spring) automatically resets the locking ball to its initial position after the slide is released, enabling the mechanism to prepare for the next closing operation without manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the release action to trigger the reset sequence.
2Reliability
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the reliability of fixing the slide in closed position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ball has an asymmetric geometry with a spherical shape that interacts differently with the two openings: the first opening (in the slide) has a diameter slightly larger than the ball, allowing easy entry, while the second opening (in the plate) has a smaller diameter that creates a interference fit for secure locking. This asymmetric design ensures reliable fixation without requiring complex locking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ball uses a spherical geometry that naturally provides smooth engagement and disengagement with the openings. The curved surface of the ball allows it to be easily inserted into the first opening and to engage securely with the second opening, while also enabling simple release when force is applied to the slide.
3Ease of operation
If the slide is held firmly in closed position, then bulk material flow is prevented, but releasing the slide requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses parameter changes in the opening diameters to achieve the desired balance: the first opening diameter is designed to be slightly larger than the ball diameter for easy engagement, while the second opening diameter is smaller than the ball diameter to create a secure interference fit. The elastic element also provides a controlled resetting force that ensures reliable locking without requiring excessive release force.
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 provides a simple and reliable method to open and close the dosing device, allowing for precise control over the flow of bulk material, ensuring efficient and accurate metering by securely locking the slide in its closed position and releasing it with minimal force, facilitating easy operation and robust construction.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic restoring element to force the locking ball into the locked position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a metering device (10) for dispensing bulk material from a flexible bulk material container (12), comprising a metering body (14) with a cylindrical surface (16) and with an upper opening (18) for feeding bulk material contained in the bulk material container (12) into the metering body (14) and with a lower opening from which the bulk material can exit downwards from the metering body (14); a point (20) converging above the metering body (14) for piercing the bulk material container (12); a plate (28) arranged on the underside of the metering body (14) with a through-opening (37) which is arranged below the lower opening of the metering body (14); a slide (30) mounted to move relative to the plate (28) for closing and releasing the through-opening (37); a releasable detent ball lock (36) by means of which the slide (30) can be fixed in a closed position that closes the through-opening (37).