Continuous Silo Emptying via Elongated Take-Up Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary packaging systems require start-stop operations for complete emptying, which reduces speed and puts excessive stress on components due to large moving masses, necessitating heavy-duty drives and brakes to prevent defects.
Innovation Solution
An emptying device with a discharge pipe featuring a take-up opening that is elongated longitudinally, allowing continuous operation and reducing the need for start-stop cycles by enabling the filling spout to pass through the suction intake while the system rotates, using a conveyor element and potentially gravity or an inclined removal device for product conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If start-stop operation is used for complete emptying, then complete emptying of silo is achieved, but emptying speed is reduced and forces on components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous rotation of the packaging system during emptying operations. The take-up opening is designed to passively receive product from filling spouts during continuous rotation, eliminating the need for start-stop operations while maintaining complete emptying capability. This resolves the contradiction by making the emptying process continuous rather than intermittent.
Solution Approach 2:
The take-up opening is designed with specific geometric characteristics (opening angle, positioning relative to filling spouts) that allow it to dynamically interact with rotating filling spouts. The opening is positioned and sized to capture product during continuous rotation without requiring the system to stop, enabling adaptive product capture during motion.
2Reliability
If start-stop operation is used for complete emptying, then complete emptying of silo is achieved, but forces on components increase requiring heavy-duty drives and brakes
Solution Approach 1:
By maintaining continuous rotation during emptying, the patent eliminates the large accelerating and decelerating forces that occur during start-stop operations. The system operates smoothly without sudden changes in motion state, reducing stress on drives and brakes while still achieving complete emptying through the specially designed take-up opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic design of the take-up opening with its specific opening angle and positioning allows product to be captured during continuous motion. This eliminates the need for heavy-duty components required for start-stop operations, as the system maintains constant rotation with minimal force variations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional suction duct with opening matching filling spout contour is used, then product can be conveyed out, but complete emptying requires start-stop operation reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The take-up opening is designed with an opening angle of 180-270 degrees and specific positioning relative to the filling spout axis, allowing it to capture product during continuous rotation. This dynamic geometric design enables the opening to passively receive product from rotating filling spouts without requiring the system to stop, significantly improving emptying efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The take-up opening extends in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis, creating a three-dimensional capture zone. This circumferential extension allows the opening to intercept product from filling spouts at various rotational positions, enabling complete emptying during continuous rotation rather than requiring the conventional two-dimensional opening that necessitates start-stop operation.
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
Enables high-speed, continuous emptying of silos and supply lines without the need for heavy-duty components, reducing forces on the packaging system and allowing standard components to be used, while maintaining efficient product conveyance and dust management.
Implementation Method 1
the bulk material contained in the silo is blown, conveyed, respectively guided, out of the filling spouts into the drain line
Implementation Method 2
at least one conveyor element, wherein the product respectively bulk material conveyed into the take-up opening can be conveyed off in a suitable way by means of said conveyor element
Implementation Method 3
using a conveyor element and potentially gravity or an inclined removal device for product conveyance
Data Source
AI summary
An emptying device for completely emptying at least one silo of at least one rotary packaging system, and rotary packaging system, including at least one silo, at least two filling stations with at least one filling spout each in connection with the silo, and such an emptying device, including a discharge pipe with a take-up opening. The longitudinal extension of the take-up opening is larger than its transverse extension. In the method for completely emptying a silo of a rotary packaging system with two filling stations with one filling spout each and such an emptying device, the packaging system is provided for rotating continuously during emptying.