Honeycomb Structure Conveyer Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyer apparatuses fail to maintain a consistent moisture content of the wet mixture during the conveyance process, leading to defects such as parched surfaces, cracks, and cell cut-off in honeycomb structures due to changes in temperature and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A conveyer apparatus with a casing that prevents moisture loss and a partition member to control humidity, maintaining a moisture content change of 3% or less, ensuring a stable supply of wet mixture to the extrusion molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional conveyer apparatuses are used to transport wet mixture, then the conveyance process can be completed, but the moisture content of the wet mixture varies due to drying over time and changes in temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyer apparatus is equipped with a casing that creates a sealed environment, isolating the wet mixture from the external atmosphere. This prevents moisture exchange with the surrounding air, maintaining constant moisture content despite temperature and humidity changes in the external environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A humidified air circulation system acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the wet mixture. The system introduces humidified air into the casing and extracts excess humidity, serving as a buffer that maintains stable moisture conditions for the wet mixture during conveyance.
2Ease of operation
If the wet mixture is exposed to air during conveyance, then the conveyance process can proceed, but the surface of the extrusion molded body becomes parched and cracks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The casing creates a controlled atmosphere environment that prevents the wet mixture surface from being exposed to dry air. This eliminates the parching effect that would otherwise occur on the surface during conveyance, preventing cracks and maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents surface parching by maintaining a humidified atmosphere in the casing before any damage can occur. The humidified air circulation system acts as a protective buffer, cushioning the wet mixture surface against drying effects throughout the conveyance process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage portion is added to the conveyer apparatus, then the wet mixture can be stored temporarily, but the period of time from charge to discharge varies causing moisture content changes
Solution Approach 1:
The casing extends to enclose the storage portion, creating a sealed humidified environment that maintains constant moisture content regardless of how long the wet mixture remains in storage. This eliminates moisture variation that would otherwise occur during temporary storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The humidified air circulation system serves as an intermediary that actively maintains stable moisture conditions in the storage portion. By continuously circulating and regulating humidity, the system ensures uniform moisture content even when storage duration varies, preventing moisture loss or gain during temporary holding.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3-1(a)~3-1(b)
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyer apparatus (30) capable of keeping a small rate of moisture content change of the wet mixture between before and after a conveyance process, supplying a wet mixture of a constant quality to subsequent processes, and in particular, when used in the production process of honeycomb structure, preventing the occurrence of cracks, cell cut-off, and the like in the extruded molded body. The conveyer apparatus (30) according to the present invention comprises a conveyer portion (32) having disposed therein a conveyer (35) configured to convey a wet mixture, wherein the rate of moisture content change of the wet mixture between before and after conveyance is 3% or less.