Liquid-Column Resonant Droplet Projector Blockage Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The productivity of particulate production is hindered by issues such as increased viscosity and solidification of toner component liquids in projection holes, leading to blockages and unstable droplet projection, which decreases the efficiency of droplet discharge and overall toner production in spray granulation methods.

Innovation Solution

Introducing an initial liquid with a lower concentration of particulate components into the projection hole at the start of discharging, followed by discharging and solidifying the droplet to form a particulate, using a liquid-column resonant droplet projector to maintain stable projection and productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spray granulation method is used to produce particulate, then productivity is improved compared to conventional methods, but projection hole blockages occur due to liquid drying and solidification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate production efficiencyVSAvoidprojection hole discharge stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a solvent liquid into the projection hole before the toner component liquid. This preliminary introduction of solvent prevents the toner component liquid from drying and solidifying in the projection hole, thereby preventing blockages and ensuring continuous stable discharge during particulate production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If toner component liquid is discharged continuously, then productivity is maintained, but viscosity increases and projection hole becomes blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet discharge rateVSAvoidtime for stopping and washing projection hole

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses solvent liquid as an intermediary substance that is introduced into the projection hole before the toner component liquid. This intermediary solvent prevents direct contact and drying of the toner component liquid in the projection hole, allowing continuous discharge without time loss for washing or maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If projection hole is washed to restore projectability, then discharge stability is improved, but productivity decreases due to production halt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection hole projectabilityVSAvoidparticulate production rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-introducing solvent liquid into the projection hole before discharge begins. This preventive measure eliminates the need for subsequent washing operations to restore projectability, allowing continuous production without interruptions and maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enhances the productivity of particulate production by maintaining stable droplet projection and reducing the likelihood of projection hole blockages, thereby improving the efficiency of toner production and maintaining consistent particle diameter distribution.

Implementation Method 1

using a liquid-column resonant droplet projector to maintain stable projection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid-column resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

solidifying the droplet to form a particulate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolidification: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS8778239B2Particulate production method

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A method of producing particulate, including introducing an initial liquid including a particulate component in a lower concentration than that of a liquid including a particulate component or no concentration to a projection hole of a droplet projector so as to be projected at the start of the discharging; discharging a droplet of the liquid comprising a particulate component from the projection hole; and solidifying the droplet to form a particulate.