Fluid Stream Coating for Particulate Goods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for applying powdered additives to goods, such as comestibles and cosmetics, face issues like inconsistent coatings, waste, and maintenance challenges due to manual application and existing machinery-based methods, which fail to achieve full coverage and result in powder contamination.
Innovation Solution
A gas cycle system that recycles powdered additives within a constant stream, using a powder circulation and distribution assembly to suspend and flow powder with goods, preventing contact with machinery surfaces and allowing for recirculation and reuse of unused powder, while incorporating air or inert gas to form a gas bearing that coats goods without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional rotary drum systems are used to coat goods with powder, then coating speed is improved, but coating consistency deteriorates and goods may be damaged due to impact against sidewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid stream (air or water) to suspend and transport both the goods and powder particles through the coating chamber. The fluid flow carries the powder uniformly over the goods surfaces without mechanical contact, achieving consistent coating while preventing damage from impact against chamber walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical rotary drum system with a fluid-based suspension and transport system. Instead of mechanical rotation and tumbling, the fluid stream suspends goods and powder, allowing coating to occur through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical motion, thereby eliminating impact damage and improving coating uniformity.
2Extent of automation
If conventional rotary drum systems are used, then coating process is automated, but powder waste increases due to contamination and cleaning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles the fluid stream after the coating process. Unused powder particles that remain suspended in the fluid are separated and returned to the powder supply, while the fluid is reused for subsequent coating operations. This recovery process minimizes powder waste and eliminates the need for frequent cleaning and disposal.
3Device complexity
If conveyor belt systems with air jets are used to distribute powder, then coating process is simplified, but coverage of non-exposed surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid stream that suspends goods in mid-air or water, allowing powder to be distributed uniformly from all directions. The fluid flow patterns ensure that powder reaches all surfaces of the goods including non-exposed areas, achieving complete coverage while maintaining system simplicity through the use of fluid dynamics rather than complex multi-angle spraying mechanisms.
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 system achieves consistent and full coverage of goods without waste, reduces maintenance needs, and allows for the reuse of powdered additives, enhancing efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
powder released from a powder source into a powder inlet is introduced into a gas stream output from a gas inlet and the gas stream convey the powder
Implementation Method 2
maintaining the goods to be coated and the powder suspended in a gas flow within the chamber such that the goods to be coated do not substantially impact against the sides of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure teaches systems and methods for coating and cooking goods. One system for coating of goods can comprise a source of powder for coating the goods, a source of gas to create a gas stream to carry the powder and the goods in a combined stream through a tunnel or chamber comprising air bearings to keep the goods and the powder from contacting the inner surface of the tunnel or chamber, and a system for recirculating unused powder for reuse. One method for coating goods can comprise combining additive powder with at least one gas stream in a powder circulation chamber and forming a powder gas stream, forming an air bearing on an inner surface of the powder distribution tunnel wherein the powder distribution tunnel comprises an inner tube and outer tube can be separated by a plenum, wherein the air bearing is formed by directing a gas stream through the at least one compressed air inlet causing the tunnel gas stream to form a circular vortex ring having a centrifugal force equal to a pressure gradient outward and releasing goods into the powder distribution tunnel to coat the goods.