Vertical Oscillation Fluidizing Particle Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for fluidizing particle beds, such as those used in chemical engineering and slide grinding, are not suitable for gentle processing of embedded larger objects and often result in particle discharge, damage, or inefficient mixing, particularly with finely dispersed particles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a vertically movable container and an oscillation generator that induces vertical oscillations to fluidize particle beds without the need for fluid flow, allowing for controlled mixing and separation of embedded objects, and includes features like a control unit for setting oscillation frequency and amplitude, and optional fluid introduction for enhanced fluidization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high gas velocity is used to achieve high mixing of particles and fluid, then mixing efficiency is improved, but particle discharge increases and embedded objects may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical oscillation of the container to fluidize the particle bed and enable mixing without requiring high gas velocities. The oscillation generator creates vertical motion that prevents particle discharge and object damage while achieving the desired mixing effect through controlled mechanical vibration rather than high-velocity gas flow.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fluidized bed systems are used for processing embedded objects, then particle mobilization is achieved, but objects may collide with walls or each other causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The container is subjected to vertical oscillation that fluidizes the particle bed and mobilizes particles for processing while maintaining gentle motion that prevents objects from colliding with container walls or each other. The controlled oscillation provides particle mobility without the harsh effects of conventional high-velocity fluidization.
3Manufacturing precision
If slide grinding technology is used with moving bulks of abrasive bodies, then surface processing is achieved, but the bulk collapses when energy supply is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical oscillation to create a fluidized state of the abrasive bulk that maintains structural stability while enabling surface processing. The oscillation prevents bulk collapse by continuously replenishing the energy supply in a controlled manner, allowing the abrasive bodies to remain mobilized for effective surface treatment without collapsing the overall bulk structure.
4Productivity
If compressed air and vibration are used to loosen and mobilize powder beds, then de-powdering is achieved, but finely dispersed particles are discharged and may be harmful to health
Solution Approach 1:
The container oscillation creates controlled vertical motion that loosens and mobilizes the powder bed for effective de-powdering while containing all particles within the closed system. The oscillation achieves particle separation and object cleaning without discharging finely dispersed particles into the environment, eliminating the health hazards associated with respirable particle release.
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 approach enables gentle fluidization of particle beds, improving mixing and reducing the risk of object damage, while allowing for effective de-powdering and powder handling, including mixing and conveying, with enhanced safety and control over fluidized bed states.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillation generator, also called a vibration generator or an oscillator, by which the container can be set into a vertical oscillation during operation
Implementation Method 2
a fluidization of beds without discharging particles or gases since it has surprisingly been found that a fluidized bed can be generated by a vertical oscillation even if only a small amount of fluid or even no fluid at all flows through the container
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for fluidizing particles present as a particle bed and, optionally, objects included in the particle bed comprises at least one vertically movably supported container that defines a processing space for receiving the particle bed; an oscillation generator by which the container can be set into a vertical oscillation during operation; and a control unit for setting the frequency and/or amplitude of the vertical oscillation.