Elongated Inlet Conduit for Particulate Loader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particulate loaders require large suction mechanisms to achieve low vacuum pressure for efficient particulate conveyance, leading to high air stream velocities that reduce separation efficiency and increase power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An elongated inlet conduit with a stepwise increase in cross-section from the vacuum hose to the air-particulates separating chamber, which reduces the air stream velocity entering the chamber while maintaining constant suction pressure, or increases the air stream velocity through the hose by adjusting suction, without significant design changes to the loader.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a large suction mechanism is used to produce low vacuum pressure for efficient particulate conveyance, then the air stream velocity through the vacuum pickup hose is increased, but the separation efficiency in the air-particulates separating chamber is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair stream velocity through vacuum pickup hoseVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet system is segmented into two distinct functional zones: the vacuum pickup hose for high-velocity particulate conveyance and the air-particulates separating chamber for low-velocity separation. The tapered inlet conduit acts as a transition zone that divides the high-velocity inlet flow from the low-velocity separation environment, allowing each zone to operate at its optimal velocity independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered inlet conduit serves as an intermediary element between the vacuum pickup hose and the separating chamber. Its expanding cross-section gradually reduces air stream velocity while maintaining suction pressure, mediating the transition from high-velocity conveyance to low-velocity separation without direct abrupt contact between the two opposing flow conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a large suction mechanism is used to achieve low vacuum pressure, then particulate conveyance efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate conveyance efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered inlet conduit changes the flow parameters (velocity, pressure distribution) along its length. By gradually increasing the cross-sectional area, it transforms the high-velocity low-pressure flow from the vacuum hose into a low-velocity higher-pressure flow suitable for the separating chamber, optimizing energy utilization at each stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet conduit provides dynamic adaptation of flow conditions. Rather than maintaining constant high velocity throughout, the system dynamically adjusts velocity and pressure distribution along the flow path, matching the specific requirements of each zone (conveyance vs. separation) to minimize overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 inlet conduit enhances particulate separation efficiency and reduces power consumption by optimizing air stream velocities within the existing particulate loader design, allowing for efficient particulate transfer with minimal modifications.

Implementation Method 1

an inlet conduit that reduces the velocity of the air stream with the particulates entering the air-particulates separating chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a suction mechanism such as, for example, one or more blowers, to create suction within an air-particulates separating chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

Air drawn through the air-particulates separating chamber passes through the separating drum through small perforations therein, the separating drum's small perforations thereby separating the particulates from the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9555980B2Inlet for particulate loader

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 AG GROWTH INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A particulate loader for transferring particulates. The particulate loader comprises an air-particulates separating chamber for separating the particulates from an air stream caused by suction provided thereto. A suction mechanism is connected to the air-particulates separating chamber for providing the suction thereto. The particulate loader comprises a conveying mechanism for conveying the separated particulates from the air-particulates separating chamber to a remote location. A vacuum pickup hose is in fluid communication with the air-particulates separating chamber for transmitting the airstream with the particulates therethrough. An inlet conduit is in fluid communication with the vacuum pickup hose at a first end and with the air-particulates separating chamber at a second end for transmitting the airstream with the particulates from the vacuum pickup hose to the air-particulates separating chamber. The inlet conduit is elongated between the first end and the second end and a cross-section of the inlet conduit increases from a first cross-section at the first end to a second cross-section at the second end.