Input Point Shut-Off Mechanism for Pneumatic Waste Conveying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste conveying systems face inefficiencies and safety concerns in opening and closing input points, particularly due to high force requirements and potential for overpowerful closure, which can lead to accidents.

Innovation Solution

A movable shut-off means, such as a bushing-type mechanism, is arranged within the channel part of the input point, with a counterpart for safety control, allowing for efficient and safe operation by reducing force resistance and preventing overclosure due to an object being trapped.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shut-off means is arranged to close the input aperture in existing waste conveying systems, then the input point can be sealed, but high force requirements and potential for overpowerful closure lead to safety concerns and accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidforce resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A counterpart is introduced as an intermediary element between the shut-off means and the input aperture. The counterpart absorbs excess closing force and prevents direct transmission of overpowerful closure forces to the aperture structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable sealing and avoiding safety hazards from high forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The counterpart acts as a cushioning element positioned in advance between the shut-off means and the aperture. It provides pre-positioned force absorption capability that prevents overpowerful closure before damage can occur, enabling safe operation while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If conventional shut-off means are used to close the input aperture, then the aperture can be sealed, but the force requirements lead to larger and less efficient drive devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoiddrive device size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The counterpart serves as a mechanical intermediary that modifies the force transmission path. It enables the shut-off means to achieve effective sealing with reduced closing force requirements, allowing for smaller, more efficient drive devices while maintaining reliable aperture closure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the shut-off means is moved with high force to ensure closure, then the aperture seals reliably, but objects may be trapped and crushed between the aperture and shut-off means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure reliabilityVSAvoidcrushing hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The counterpart is positioned as a protective intermediary between the moving shut-off means and the aperture opening. It prevents direct contact between the shut-off means and any objects that might be in the aperture path, eliminating crushing hazards while allowing reliable closure to proceed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The counterpart provides pre-positioned protection against crushing hazards by absorbing closing forces before they can affect objects in the aperture. This beforehand cushioning enables reliable closure operation without creating harmful compression forces on trapped objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution significantly reduces the force needed to open and close the input aperture, enables smaller and more efficient drive devices, and ensures safety by preventing objects from being crushed, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3074326B1Method for feeding in and for handling material, an input point and a wastes conveying system

Publication Date: 2021.03.17 MARICAP OY

Figure 1a~1d
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AI summary

Input point (1) of a pneumatic material conveying system, which input point comprises an input aperture (2) for feeding material to inside the input point from outside the input point, means (3) for opening and closing the input aperture. The input point (1) comprises a channel part (10), in the wall of which an aperture is formed for feeding material into the channel space (10") of the channel part (10) via the input aperture (2), that the means for opening and closing the input aperture (2) comprise a first shut-off means (3), which is fitted inside the channel part (10) movably between at least one first position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture (2) is closed, and at least one second position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture (2) is open, and that the input point (1) comprises a counterpart (400) supported movably with respect to the body of the input point, against which counterpart the first shut-off means (3) is adapted to settle in the first position. The invention also relates to a method and to a system.