Material Transfer Coupler With Adjustable Air Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum-based material transfer systems face inefficiencies due to inadequate air introduction methods, leading to slow material transfer during loading and unloading processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a coupler with a hollow interior and adjustable air openings, connected between source and destination containers, using a pneumatic pump to create a pressure gradient and control air flow for efficient material transfer, optionally with a moveable sleeve to regulate air entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional vacuum-based transfer systems are used, then material transfer is achieved, but the transfer speed is slow due to inadequate air introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer speedVSAvoidair introduction effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler incorporates air introduction openings at specific locations along the transfer line, allowing air to be introduced at the correct point where material is being transferred. This localized air introduction optimizes the air-to-material ratio at the transfer zone, significantly improving transfer speed and efficiency compared to conventional uniform air introduction methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler acts as an intermediary device between the source and destination containers, providing a controlled interface for both material and air flow. The coupler's hollow interior and strategically positioned openings mediate the interaction between vacuum pressure and air pressure, enabling efficient material transfer by introducing air at the optimal location along the transfer path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If air is introduced at the wrong point in the system, then material transfer is hindered, but adding complex air control mechanisms increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer efficiencyVSAvoidair flow control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air introduction function is merged into the coupler structure itself, which is already an essential component for material transfer. By integrating air openings directly into the coupler's sidewall, the system achieves controlled air introduction without adding separate complex air control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler features air introduction openings at specific localized positions along its length, allowing air to be introduced precisely where needed in the transfer process. This localized approach ensures effective air-to-material interaction without requiring complex distributed air control systems throughout the entire transfer line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If a coupler with air openings is used to improve material transfer, then transfer speed increases, but the coupler structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer rateVSAvoidcoupler structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler incorporates air introduction openings at specific locations along its sidewall, allowing air to be introduced at the optimal point for material transfer. This localized modification to the coupler structure achieves significant improvements in transfer rate without requiring a complete redesign of the entire coupler, thereby minimizing the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler serves multiple functions: it connects source and destination containers, provides a hollow interior for material passage, and introduces air at controlled points along the transfer line. By combining these functions into a single component, the system achieves improved material transfer without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates expedited and controlled material transfer by creating a pressure gradient, enhancing the efficiency of vacuum-based systems in moving materials like pellets between containers.

Implementation Method 1

using a pump to create an air pressure gradient between the source container and the destination container in which the pressure is lower in the destination container than in the source container, the pressure gradient causing the load to transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

using a pump to transfer the load from the source container, through the source outlet, through the generally hollow interior of the coupler, through the destination inlet and into the destination container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11472637B1Material transfer system

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 REISING KIRK

AI summary

A material transfer system is described. In some embodiments, the system may include a coupler, a destination inlet and source outlet and the coupler may include an opening to allow air to be drawn into the system. The opening may be covered by a screen and a moveable sleeve may be used to at least partially cover the opening.