Loop Riser Airflow Redirector for Shorter Pneumatic Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection and transport systems face inefficiencies due to lengthy piping and difficulty in locating pneumatic sources, particularly in systems with distant loading stations, leading to increased material and installation costs, as well as energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of loop riser pipes that redirect airflow from a main transport pipe to loading stations using a redirector, such as dampers or diverters, which are controlled by a computing system to optimize airflow, reducing the need for lengthy pneumatic pipes and external connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lengthy sections of piping are used to connect distant loading stations to the pneumatic source, then the loading stations can be located further away from the pneumatic source, but the piping length increases resulting in increased material costs and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pneumatic supply network by introducing intermediate pneumatic sources at strategic locations along the piping system. This divides the single long pneumatic pipe into multiple shorter segments, each served by its own pneumatic source, thereby reducing the length of any single pneumatic pipe while maintaining the ability to serve distant loading stations.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate pneumatic sources act as mediators between the main pneumatic source and distant loading stations. These intermediate sources receive pneumatic power and redistribute it locally, eliminating the need for extremely long pneumatic pipes to reach distant locations while reducing overall material costs and energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lengthy sections of piping are used to connect loading stations to the pneumatic source, then distant loading stations can be served, but the pneumatic source becomes difficult to locate and access at intermediate system branches
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into multiple segments with intermediate pneumatic sources, each source serves a localized area. This segmentation makes pneumatic sources more accessible at intermediate branches rather than requiring all sources to be concentrated at a single remote location, improving ease of operation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a centralized pneumatic source configuration to a distributed multi-dimensional network. Intermediate pneumatic sources are placed at various locations along the piping system, creating a spatial distribution that improves accessibility while maintaining comprehensive loading station coverage.
3Device complexity
If traditional piping systems are used without loop riser pipes, then the system structure is simpler, but the piping length increases leading to higher material and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
Loop riser pipes segment the pneumatic distribution by creating localized circulation loops at different levels or branches. This allows pneumatic power to be distributed more efficiently through shorter path lengths, reducing overall piping length and material costs while maintaining a relatively simple system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop riser pipe design merges the pneumatic supply and return paths into an integrated loop structure. This combining of functions within a compact loop configuration reduces the total piping length required compared to traditional linear distributions, lowering material and installation costs.
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 minimizes piping length, reduces material and installation costs, and lowers energy consumption by optimizing airflow, while maintaining efficient material transport to collection areas.
Implementation Method 1
a redirector configured to regulate airflow to direct the airflow to at least one of the loop riser pipe or the main transport pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing airflow across a transport system are provided. The transport system includes a main transport pipe connected to a collection area configured to collect objects and materials transported through the transport system. The systems and methods also include a branch transport pipe connected to the main transport pipe and a loading station and a loop riser pipe connecting between the main transport pipe and the branch transport pipe. The systems and methods also include a redirector configured to regulate airflow to at least one of the loop riser pipe or the main transport pipe.