Movable Plug Body Dispenser for Ceramic Powder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative powder dispensers for ceramic articles lack precision in dispensing and are prone to clogging due to hygroscopic properties of the powders, leading to aesthetic defects and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A decorative powder dispenser with a movable plug body and dosing portion that allows for precise control over the dispensing port, including oscillatory motion to prevent aggregate formation and ensure accurate dispensing, utilizing electromagnetic actuators and piezoelectric transducers for controlled powder release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hopper-type dispenser is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and dispensing accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into functional segments: a hopper for powder storage, a movable plug body for flow control, a dosing portion for precise metering, and a stirring portion for aggregate prevention. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing precise dispensing while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug body is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between positions to control powder flow. This dynamic element enables precise control over when and how much powder is dispensed, significantly improving dispensing accuracy compared to static designs.
2Productivity
If the dispensing port is kept open for continuous flow, then the productivity is high, but the decorative powder forms aggregates that clog the port
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body moves periodically between closed and open positions, creating intermittent flow rather than continuous flow. This periodic action allows the powder to flow in controlled bursts while preventing aggregate formation, maintaining both productivity and flow reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring portion introduces mechanical vibration or motion to the powder bed, preventing particles from settling and forming aggregates. This vibration ensures the powder remains flowable and prevents clogging of the dispensing port during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the decorative powder is exposed to the environment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the hygroscopic powder absorbs moisture and forms aggregates
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper and dispensing system are designed as enclosed structures that minimize the exposure of decorative powder to the external environment. This protective enclosure prevents moisture absorption while maintaining ease of operation through controlled access points and flow channels.
4Ease of manufacture
If aggregates are allowed to form in the hopper, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the decoration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring portion continuously agitates the powder in the hopper, preventing aggregate formation while maintaining ease of powder loading. This vibration ensures the powder remains fine and uniform, delivering high decoration quality while keeping the manufacturing process simple.
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
Enables precise and repeatable dispensing of decorative powder, reducing the risk of aggregate formation and ensuring accurate decoration of ceramic articles while minimizing exposure to moisture, thus preventing defects and cost increases.
Implementation Method 1
The movement means comprise an electromagnetic actuator operable to move the plug body between a home configuration and an operating configuration
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electromagnetic actuators and piezoelectric transducers for controlled powder release
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The decorative powder dispenser (1) comprises: - one containment chamber (2) of a decorative powder (A) for the decoration of at least one ceramic article (M), provided with one dispensing port (2a) through which the decorative powder (A) is dispensed on a decorative surface (S) of the ceramic article (M); - one plug body (4) provided with one closing portion (5) of the dispensing port (2a) and movable between a home configuration, wherein the closing portion (5) obstructs the dispensing port (2a) and prevents said decorative powder (A) from being dispensed, and at least one operating configuration, wherein the closing portion (5) is moved along at least one direction of movement (D1, D2) with respect to the dispensing port (2a); - movement means (6, 13) of the plug body (4) adapted to move the plug body (4) between the home configuration and the operating configuration.