Inlet Device Automatic Bulk Material Inflow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk material inlet devices for cleaning machines face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of bulk material, leading to suboptimal cleaning results and resource wastage, with manual gap adjustments being time-consuming and prone to errors, and existing solutions being limited to specific types of bulk material and conditions.
Innovation Solution
An inlet device with a rotatably mounted feed flap connected to a rotation axis, featuring internal sensors for measuring bulk material levels and a motor unit that adjusts its center of gravity to control the gap size based on the weight of the bulk material, ensuring uniform distribution and safety by internal sensor placement and weight-loaded suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of gap width is provided, then the ideal setting can be found for specific conditions, but the adjustment is time-consuming and prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect bulk material properties and adjusts the gap width without manual intervention. The control unit processes sensor data and actuates the feed flap to maintain optimal gap settings, enabling the system to self-regulate based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with an automated control system comprising sensors, a control unit, and an actuator. The system uses electronic sensing and control mechanisms to adjust the gap width, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention while improving precision and reducing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed gap setting is used, then the device is simple to operate, but it is only suitable for very specific types of bulk material under very specific conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The gap width is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors bulk material properties through sensors and automatically adjusts the gap width to adapt to different material types, grain sizes, weights, and throughput conditions while maintaining simple operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the gap width parameter based on detected bulk material characteristics. By measuring properties such as material type, grain size, and weight, the control unit adjusts the gap width to optimize performance for different materials and conditions, greatly enhancing versatility while keeping the interface simple.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted externally to measure fill level, then the measurement is reliable, but explosion protection and external contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are nested within the housing structure, specifically mounted on the inner side of the housing wall facing the bulk material chamber. This internal mounting protects sensors from external contamination and explosion risks while maintaining measurement capability through the housing wall or internal positioning within the safe zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing wall acts as an intermediary between the externally mounted sensors and the bulk material chamber. Sensors mounted on the outer side of the housing can measure fill level through the wall without direct exposure to hazardous environments, while the housing provides protection against explosion and contamination.
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 consistent and uniform bulk material distribution across the entire width of the machine, preventing blockages and damage from large foreign bodies, while maintaining explosion and food safety, and reducing the need for manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The motor unit comprises a motor and a carriage, the motor being movable on the carriage along a linear axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation in order to change the center of gravity of the motor unit on the linear axis relative to the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a feed door that can be connected to a pivot axis and is designed as a weight-loaded suspension with a counterweight, wherein the counterweight can be adjusted
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic inflow regulation and to a corresponding inlet device for a uniform inlet of bulk material, said device regulating the quantity of bulk material admitted into a cleaning machine without a manual adaptation by a user. For this purpose, a weight-loaded feed flap is used which is connected to a motor unit via a rotational axis. A counterweight for the flap can be adjusted by the movement of the motor and its own weight.