Flow-Guided Transport Linkage for Contamination Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems in machining operations are susceptible to contamination, which leads to wear and tear of components due to contaminants entering through gaps between transport structures and the housing, necessitating frequent manual cleaning and the use of external flow sources to prevent ingress.
Innovation Solution
A transport system incorporating flow guide elements that accelerate and orient fluid flow to direct it away from potential contamination entry points, eliminating the need for external flow sources and enhancing the system's self-regulation through adjustable flow guide elements and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pump systems are used to create overpressure inside the transport vehicle housing, then contamination ingress is counteracted, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump system and piping infrastructure from the transport device by extracting the active pressure generation function. Instead, it uses passive flow guide elements that redirect ambient fluid flow to create protective overpressure zones, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining contamination protection
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than actively pumping air into the housing to create overpressure, the invention inverts the approach by using flow guide elements to redirect external fluid flow around the housing. This passive redirection creates protective pressure zones without requiring internal pressure generation systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual cleaning is performed at regular intervals, then contamination and wear are reduced, but productivity and operational time are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow guide elements are installed in advance to create continuous protective fluid flow patterns around the transport device. This preliminary protective action prevents contamination accumulation, eliminating the need for subsequent manual cleaning interruptions and maintaining continuous productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The passive flow guide elements continuously redirect fluid flow to maintain protective overpressure zones around the housing throughout operation. This continuous protective action prevents contamination ingress without interruption, ensuring uninterrupted transport operations and sustained productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If piping systems introduce air at numerous different points, then contamination protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the entire piping system and multiple air introduction points, replacing them with simple passive flow guide elements. These elements utilize ambient fluid flow to create protective pressure zones without requiring any internal pressure generation infrastructure, dramatically simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The flow guide elements are passive components that automatically utilize ambient fluid flow to create protective overpressure zones. They self-regulate based on external flow conditions without requiring controlled air introduction systems, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance
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
Effectively prevents contamination ingress by directing fluid flow to avoid contamination paths, reducing wear and tear, and eliminating the need for manual cleaning and external flow sources, while maintaining optimal operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one flow-guiding element of the transport means is further designed in such a way that a fluid in the immediate vicinity of the flow-guiding element is accelerated as soon as the flow-guiding element is moved and that the pathlines of the fluid elements resulting from the acceleration are simultaneously given an essentially (preferred) orientation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a means of transport, in particular configured as a linkage means of transport, rope, belt or strap, wherein the means of transport includes at least one flow-guiding element (4), and wherein the at least one flow-guiding element (4) is configured to accelerate a fluid in its immediate vicinity as soon as it is moved, and to impose a preferred orientation (V) on the pathlines of the fluid elements resulting from the acceleration.