Follower Plate Ventilation Valve Segmentation for Viscous Material Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing follower plates for conveying viscous materials require frequent cleaning of ventilation valves due to contamination, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a valve seat into each ventilation opening, firmly connected to the plate body, with a valve unit that includes a valve needle and activation device, allowing for easy removal and cleaning of the valve unit while the valve seat remains in the plate body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the valve unit is releasably mounted on the plate body, then the valve unit can be removed for cleaning, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is segmented from the plate body, allowing it to be removed as a separate component for cleaning while maintaining sealing integrity when mounted. The valve housing forms a distinct removable unit that can be detached without damaging the plate body or compromising the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve needle is nested within the valve housing, which itself is mounted on the plate body. This nested structure allows the valve needle to be protected and positioned accurately while enabling easy removal of the entire valve unit for cleaning without affecting the plate body.
2Ease of manufacture
If the valve seat is made from plastic with force fit, then it is inexpensive and soft for sealing, but it may be contaminated by viscous material
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is designed as an inexpensive plastic component that can be easily replaced. It is pressed into the plate body with force fit and can be removed using a drilling tool when contaminated, allowing for quick replacement without expensive materials or complex removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve seat is made from soft plastic material specifically at the sealing contact area to ensure good sealing performance, while the valve needle is made from hard metal for durability. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both sealing and contamination resistance.
3Reliability
If the valve needle projects out of the valve housing by at least one-third of the plate body thickness, then sealing is improved, but the valve unit becomes more exposed to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The valve needle is designed to be movable within the valve housing, projecting outward when closed to ensure sealing contact with the valve seat. The dynamic positioning allows the needle to extend sufficiently for sealing while being protected by the valve housing structure during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve housing acts as an intermediary structure that protects the valve needle from direct contamination while still allowing the needle to project outward for sealing. The housing shields the majority of the valve needle from viscous material contact.
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
Facilitates easier maintenance and cleaning of the follower plate, reducing the effort required to remove contamination and extending the operational lifespan of the components.
Implementation Method 1
a valve needle for closing off the ventilation opening at its valve seat
Implementation Method 2
an activation device for moving the valve needle between a closed position, in which it sits on the valve seat accommodated in the ventilation opening, forming a seal, and an open position, in which it is lifted up off the valve seat
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum pump is also connected to the ventilation opening
Data Source
AI summary
A follower plate is configured for closing off a container for viscous material, which container is open toward the top, has a container bottom and a container wall that extends upward from the container bottom, which plate can be moved in the direction toward the container bottom, lying against an inner surface of the container wall, which surface faces the container interior, and which plate has a plate body in which a material outlet is arranged for conveying the viscous material out of the container, and at least one ventilation opening is arranged for conducting air out of the container. A valve seat of a ventilation valve, firmly connected to the plate body, is arranged in each ventilation opening.