Non-contact Frame Actuator for Hopper Product Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for moving products from hoppers, particularly those containing solid materials, often result in sticking issues due to bottlenecked outlets, leading to high maintenance requirements, wear, and contamination risks, especially when using vibrational excitations.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a container with a movable frame inside, subjected to non-contact forces such as electromagnetic or magnetic forces, which helps guide the product towards the outlet without physical contact, reducing wear and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vibrational excitation is used to move product in the hopper, then product flow is improved, but maintenance requirements increase and wear occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct flowVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vibrational system with an electromagnetic actuator system that generates non-contact forces. The actuator uses electromagnetic fields to move the frame and product, eliminating mechanical contact, wear, and associated maintenance requirements while maintaining product flow capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a frame as an intermediary element that is moved by non-contact electromagnetic forces. This frame then contacts and moves the product, providing indirect action that avoids direct mechanical contact between the actuator and product, reducing wear and contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If vibrational excitation is used to move product in the hopper, then product flow is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct flowVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration with electromagnetic actuation. The electromagnetic field generates non-contact forces that move the frame and product without mechanical contact, eliminating a source of contamination that would occur with mechanical vibrators touching the product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame serves as an intermediary that is moved by non-contact electromagnetic forces. This indirect action mechanism reduces contamination risk because the actuator never contacts the product directly, and the frame can be designed to minimize product contact while still achieving effective movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If product outlet is made smaller to control flow, then flow rate is controlled, but sticking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidsticking

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the system dynamic by actively moving the frame within the hopper using electromagnetic actuation. This dynamic movement prevents product from settling and sticking in the outlet area, allowing for better flow control without the negative effects of static bottleneck configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic actuator generates oscillating forces that move the frame in a manner similar to vibration, but without mechanical contact. This oscillatory motion prevents product compaction and sticking at the outlet, maintaining flow control while avoiding the harmful effects of static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 system effectively moves products, including solids and liquids, by applying non-contact forces to a frame within the container, preventing sticking and reducing contamination risks while minimizing maintenance, and allowing for efficient flow rates up to several tons per hour.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator system configured to generate a non-contact force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an actuator system configured to generate a non-contact force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the product arranged in the hopper can be moved to the product outlet with the aid of gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4368545A1Systems and methods for moving a product in a container

Publication Date: 2024.05.15 SARAVANOS PROCESS SRL

Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c

AI summary

A system for moving a product, comprising: a container configured to receive the product, the container comprising a product outlet arranged in a lower part of the container; an actuator system configured to generate a non-contact force; a frame, wherein the frame is: arranged within the container and configured to be in contact with the product when the product is arranged in the container, configured to be moveable relative to the container, configured to be subjectable to the non-contact force generated by the actuator system; a control unit configured to control the actuator system, wherein the control unit is configured to generate changes in the non-contact force for moving the frame relative to the container.