Follower Plate Venting Structure to Prevent Material Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container follower devices require complex manufacturing and generate waste due to contamination of multiple separating plates, necessitating frequent manual cleaning, which disrupts the conveying process.
Innovation Solution
A container follower device with a follower plate that remains clean by using a porous layer and airtight separating layer to prevent material accumulation, allowing for automated operation without manual cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple porous separating plates are used to prevent material accumulation, then material transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the separating function into two distinct layers: a non-porous separating layer that provides the separation barrier and a porous layer that enables gas permeation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without requiring multiple complete separating plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating layer is positioned locally around the material dispensing opening where material accumulation would most affect operation. This localized approach provides protection exactly where needed rather than requiring complete coverage with multiple plates throughout the entire follower device.
2Reliability
If multiple porous separating plates are used to prevent material accumulation, then material transfer reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-porous separating layer is designed as a disposable component that remains clean and can be easily replaced when the container is changed. This eliminates the need to dispose of expensive porous separating plates, reducing both manufacturing costs and waste generation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the contamination-prone separating function from the porous structure by using a separate non-porous separating layer. This allows the porous layer to be reused without contamination, reducing manufacturing costs and waste while maintaining the reliability benefits of separation.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning of the follower plate is performed, then cleanliness is maintained, but process downtime increases and reliability decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The non-porous separating layer automatically prevents material accumulation on the follower plate through its design, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations. The structure itself provides the cleaning function by blocking material contact with the plate surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-porous separating layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the material and the follower plate. This mediator prevents direct contact and accumulation, eliminating the need for cleaning interventions while maintaining plate cleanliness and process continuity.
4Productivity
If the follower plate contacts material during evacuation, then venting is effective, but the plate becomes contaminated requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The non-porous separating layer serves as an intermediary that allows gas to pass through to the outlet opening while blocking material from contacting the follower plate. This mediator enables effective venting without contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating layer functions as a thin film barrier that is permeable to gas molecules during evacuation but impermeable to viscous material. This allows venting efficiency while preventing material accumulation on the follower plate.
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
Ensures continuous and reliable material transfer with reduced downtime for cleaning, enhancing process reliability and efficiency by maintaining the cleanliness of the follower plate throughout the conveying process.
Implementation Method 1
a porous layer (7) arranged below the follower plate (4)
Implementation Method 2
an airtight separating layer (10) arranged at least partially between the follower plate (4) and the porous layer (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The inventive container follower device (1) for a material storage container (2) is designed to be lowered within the material storage container (2). The container follower device (1) comprises a material dispensing opening (8) for dispensing material (3) from the material storage container (2) and an outlet opening (13) for venting gas from the material storage container (2). Furthermore, the container follower device (1) comprises a follower plate (4), a porous layer (7) arranged below the follower plate (4), and an airtight separating layer (10). The separating layer (10) is arranged at least partially between the follower plate (4) and the porous layer (7) and surrounds the material dispensing opening (8).