Hopper Airstream Control for Rotary Atomizing Head Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the process of cleaning an electrostatic rotary atomizing coating machine, fine and light coating material particles tend to whirl up due to surrounding airstreams, especially when the rotary atomizing head is rotated at high speed, leading to inefficient cleaning and potential color mixing during color-change operations.
Innovation Solution
A hopper with an airstream control member is used, featuring an air vent hole that directs air to the negative pressure zone formed below the rotary atomizing head, preventing upward whirling of particles by controlling the airstream flow through the gap between the coating machine and the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotary atomizing head is rotated at high speed during cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but coating material particles whirl up through the gap due to vortex flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a shaping air stream before the harmful vortex flow can fully develop. The shaping air is supplied from the coating machine to counteract the upward vortex flow caused by high-speed rotation, preventing particles from whirling up through the gap while maintaining high cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses shaping air as an intermediary substance to mediate between the rotary atomizing head rotation and the gap flow. This intermediary air stream modifies the flow pattern, transforming the harmful upward vortex into a controlled flow that prevents particle scattering while allowing efficient cleaning
2Object-generated harmful factors
If shaping air is supplied to prevent particle whirling, then particle scattering is reduced, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by supplying shaping air only in the specific region where it is needed to prevent particle whirling, rather than using excessive air throughout the entire system. The shaping air is targeted at the gap region to minimize energy consumption while achieving the desired particle control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters by adjusting the shaping air supply to optimize the balance between particle control and energy consumption. By controlling the shaping air flow rate and distribution, the system achieves effective particle prevention with minimal energy loss
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the gap between coating machine and opening is reduced, then particle whirling is prevented, but cleaning effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses shaping air as an intermediary to maintain a sufficient gap for effective cleaning while preventing particle whirling. The shaping air fills the gap region and controls the flow pattern, allowing the gap to remain open for cleaning effectiveness while the air stream prevents harmful vortex formation
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
This solution effectively prevents the upward whirling of coating material particles during cleaning without using shaping air, ensuring thorough cleaning and preventing color mixing by maintaining a controlled airstream that directs air inwardly, thus ensuring efficient particle recovery within the hopper.
Implementation Method 1
air around a rotary atomizing head B is rotated into a rotational flow Q31 by the rotation of the rotary atomizing head B, a negative pressure zone 34 is formed below the rotary atomizing head B by the centrifugal force thereof
Implementation Method 2
an air vent hole for supplying air to a negative pressure zone formed just below the rotary atomizing head
Data Source
AI summary
A hopper for cleaning a coating machine in which a rotary atomizing head extends through an opening in the upper surface of a hopper housing, a thinner for cleaning the rotary atomizing coating machine and a residual coating material are sprayed on the inside, an airstream control member for preventing flow from ascending from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing through a gap between the coating machine and the opening by the rotation of the rotary atomizing head corresponding to the gap between the coating machine and the opening, and the control member is formed with an air vent hole for supplying air to a negative pressure zone formed just below the rotary atomizing head.