Movable Collection Device for Mixing Machine Residue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collection devices for mixture residues require extensive space, which is a constraint in production plants, especially in automatic systems where space is limited, and smaller devices are ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A collecting device with a conveyor belt system that moves between horizontal and vertical configurations, allowing it to extend maximally when in use and minimally when not in use, enabling operation in narrow spaces and accommodating larger areas such as tank lids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a collection plate or mat is used to collect mixture residues, then the mixture can be effectively collected and recovered, but the device requires extensive space with an area at least equal to the surface occupied by the mixing implements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection effectivenessVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device transitions from a static plate to a dynamic conveyor belt system that can change its configuration. The conveyor belt can be positioned horizontally underneath the mixing implements during collection and vertically along the side of the mixing machine during mixing operations, allowing the same device to provide both full collection coverage and minimal space occupation at different times

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes vertical space by positioning the conveyor belt vertically along the side of the mixing machine during mixing operations, rather than occupying horizontal space. This dimensional transition allows the collection device to store itself in a compact vertical configuration when not actively collecting, solving the space constraint problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the collecting device is positioned underneath the mixing implements, then mixture residues can be collected, but the device occupies space around the mixing machine that is needed for tank movement systems and other plant stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollection effectivenessVSAvoidspace availability for other operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt's ability to dynamically reposition between horizontal and vertical configurations allows it to temporarily occupy space underneath mixing implements only during collection operations, while freeing up surrounding space for tank movement systems and other plant stations during mixing and discharge operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting device operates periodically - extending horizontally to collect residues and retracting vertically when not needed - allowing other production activities to utilize the space during non-collection periods, thereby improving overall plant versatility and space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

The device effectively collects mixture residues from mixing machines while minimizing space requirements, allowing for efficient use in constrained environments and varying applications.

Implementation Method 1

intercepting it as it is falling, so as to prevent the mixture from dirtying the floor around the machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3231286B1System for the preparation of a mixture
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SANCASSIANO
  • EP3231286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3231286B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described herein is a mixing system (100) comprising a mixing machine (110) and a device (10) for collecting material of the mixture that remains adherent to the implement of said machine, at the end of a mixing step. The collecting device is characterized in that it presents a collecting surface (12) that is associated to movement means (2,4,6,8) designed to guide said surface in a first direction (O-O) and a second direction (V-V), so that this can pass, as a result of the movement in both directions, from a first condition, where said surface extends at least prevalently in the first direction, to a second condition, where said surface extends at least prevalently in the second direction.