Dust-Tight Batch Blender Distribution for Contamination-Free Formulations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for delivering blended material feeds to multiple processing machines in industrial processes face inefficiencies and risks of cross-contamination due to the use of multiple RGBBs and manual intervention, leading to inaccurate formulations and potential contamination.

Innovation Solution

A single-weighing remote gravimetric batch blender (RGBB) combined with a dust-tight manifold and a system controller that ensures precise formulation of blended batches using a single weighing hopper and distributor arm, along with a cleansing process to prevent contamination between different formulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RGBBs are used to deliver material feeds to multiple processing machines, then each machine can receive its specific formulation, but cross-contamination between formulations occurs and formulation accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to supply different formulations to multiple machinesVSAvoidformulation accuracy and contamination prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple RGBB functions into a single RGBB system with a multi-position distributor. Instead of having separate blenders for each machine, one RGBB with a distributor arm that can selectively deliver to multiple buffer chambers serves all machines, eliminating cross-contamination while maintaining formulation accuracy through centralized control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Buffer chambers are introduced as intermediary storage units between the single RGBB and the multiple processing machines. The distributor arm selectively connects the RGBB output to specific buffer chambers, acting as a mediator that directs material flows without direct contact between different machine lines, thus preventing cross-contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used in material feed delivery, then flexibility in handling different formulations is achieved, but contamination risk increases and formulation precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling different formulationsVSAvoidformulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated control where the distributor arm and buffer chambers self-regulate material flow to different machines based on pre-programmed formulations. The system automatically switches between formulations and machines without manual intervention, maintaining precision while providing operational flexibility through automated recipe management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through load cells that continuously monitor material weights in the weighing hopper. This feedback ensures precise formulation by automatically adjusting material addition to match target weights, eliminating manual measurement errors while maintaining flexibility through programmable recipes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single weighing hopper is used in the RGBB, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle multiple formulations simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidability to handle multiple formulations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic distributor arm that can reposition to connect the single weighing hopper to different buffer chambers based on formulation requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows one weighing hopper to serve multiple formulation needs sequentially, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility through automated reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Buffer chambers are pre-filled with specific formulations before being delivered to machines. The single weighing hopper prepares material in advance and stores it in appropriate buffer chambers, allowing multiple formulations to be staged simultaneously. This preliminary action enables the single hopper to effectively handle multiple formulations without direct simultaneous mixing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260001051A1Self-cleaning remote gravimetric batch blender with dust-tight distributor

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 AMPACET CORP

AI summary

A system for processing material feeds for use by a plurality of processing machines includes an upstream batch blender, a downstream manifold, and a system controller. The batch blender prepares blended batches of material feeds from multiple batch components according to material feed formulations stored at the system controller. The manifold distributes materials feeds made by the batch blender to a plurality of buffer chambers for temporary storage and subsequent delivery to the plurality of processing machines. The system is configured to form dust-tight seals between separate system components that handle the material feeds, and to execute a self-cleansing process to remove residual material feed elements between separate processing runs of differently formulated material feeds, thereby avoiding cross-contamination of the separately formulated material feeds.