Loosefill Blowing Machine Offset Guide Shells Vertical Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loosefill insulation blowing machines are not optimized for efficient operation, leading to potential inefficiencies in shredding and distribution of compressed loosefill insulation, which can result in accumulation and jamming issues.

Innovation Solution

The machine incorporates a chute with a shredder and agitator unit featuring offset guide shells and a vertical feed mechanism, allowing for precise shredding and conditioning of loosefill insulation before discharge into an airstream, preventing accumulation and ensuring smooth distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compressed loosefill insulation is fed directly into the shredder without vertical feed, then the machine structure is simpler, but loosefill insulation accumulates and causes jamming issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of jammingVSAvoidmachine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical feed mechanism allows loosefill insulation to fall vertically from the agitator into the discharge mechanism inlet before being processed, preparing the material in advance for smooth discharge and preventing accumulation that would cause jamming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The offset positioning of guide shells in the vertical dimension creates a three-dimensional feed path that directs loosefill insulation away from accumulation zones and into the discharge mechanism, solving the jamming problem by utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If guide shells are positioned at the same vertical level, then the device structure is simpler, but loosefill insulation flow is disrupted causing accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution efficiencyVSAvoidguide shell positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide shells are positioned asymmetrically in the vertical direction, with the first guide shell at a different vertical level than the second guide shell. This asymmetric positioning creates an optimized flow path that prevents accumulation and maintains consistent loosefill insulation distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Each guide shell is positioned at a specific vertical location optimized for its function: the first guide shell guides loosefill from the shredder, while the second guide shell guides loosefill from the agitator. This localized positioning ensures each component contributes to overall distribution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If loosefill insulation is not finely conditioned before discharge, then the processing time is shorter, but the distribution consistency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution consistencyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shredder and agitator operate continuously to shred and finely condition loosefill insulation before discharge. This continuous processing ensures consistent material preparation without interruption, maintaining distribution consistency while minimizing processing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 configuration enhances the efficiency of loosefill insulation distribution by ensuring proper shredding and conditioning, reducing the risk of jamming and over-amperage, and maintaining a consistent flow, thereby improving the overall operation of the blowing machine.

Implementation Method 1

a shredder configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an agitator configured to finely condition the loosefill insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

loosefill insulation exiting the agitator is allowed to fall in a substantially vertical direction from the agitator into the top inlet of the discharge mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS8622327B2Loosefill blowing machine having offset guide shells and vertical feed

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL LLC

AI summary

A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the loosefill insulation. A lower unit is associated with the chute and includes a shredder configured to shred the loosefill insulation and an agitator configured to finely condition the loosefill insulation. The lower unit includes a shredder guide shell positioned partially around the shredder and an agitator guide shell positioned partially around the agitator. A discharge mechanism is positioned in the lower unit. The discharge mechanism has a top inlet positioned below the agitator such that loosefill insulation exiting the agitator is allowed to fall in a substantially vertical direction from the agitator into the top inlet of the discharge mechanism. The position of the shredder guide shell at a passageway is offset in a vertical direction from the position of the agitator guide shell at the passageway.