Granular Material Pumping Apparatus with Threshold Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pumping dry granular materials often results in excessive dust generation, which can be explosive, toxic, or difficult to clean up, due to the continuous flow of granular materials from existing pumping apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A pumping apparatus with a granular material pump assembly and distributor featuring a valve that opens to permit granular material to exit only when the amount exceeds a threshold, reducing dust generation by allowing discontinuous or controlled flow, and incorporating a gas flow generator and vent system to manage airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous flow of granular material is used, then productivity is improved, but dust generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a valve assembly that opens and closes in cycles to control granular material flow. The valve opens to permit material exit when a threshold amount accumulates, then closes to prevent dust generation, creating periodic flow patterns that reduce harmful dust while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by monitoring the amount of granular material accumulated in the distributor and using this parameter to control valve opening. When the material amount exceeds a threshold, the valve opens; when the threshold is met, it closes. This dynamic parameter-based control optimizes the balance between material distribution efficiency and dust prevention.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If valve assembly is added to control flow, then dust generation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to be self-regulating, automatically opening when the granular material amount exceeds the threshold and closing when the threshold is met. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, sensors, or complex automation, reducing device complexity while effectively controlling dust generation through material accumulation-based automatic valve operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Pumping apparatus comprises a granular material pump assembly and a distributor having a distribution end for distributing granular material. The granular material pump assembly is configured to pump granular material through the distributor towards the distribution end. The distributor is configured to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when an amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds a threshold, for example wherein the distributor comprises a valve assembly configured to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when the amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds the threshold, optionally wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve configured to open to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when the amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds the threshold.