Particle Measuring System Dual Drying Units Regeneration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle measuring systems face challenges in maintaining accuracy and convenience due to the need for frequent replacement of dehumidifying agents, especially in high-humidity environments, which affects the continuity and precision of fine particle measurements.

Innovation Solution

A particle measuring system with two drying units, where one unit dries fine particles and the other regenerates the dehumidifying agent using regenerative drying means, allowing the dehumidifying agent to be used semi-permanently without replacement, and utilizing discharged dry air for regeneration, along with heaters for efficient temperature adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single drying unit uses a dehumidifying agent to dry fine particles, then the structure remains simple and easy to fabricate, but the dehumidifying agent must be periodically replaced due to performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fabricationVSAvoidmeasurement continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single drying unit is divided into two separate drying units: a first drying unit for drying fine particles and a second drying unit for regenerating the dehumidifying agent. This segmentation allows the dehumidifying agent to be continuously regenerated without interruption, eliminating the need for periodic replacement and maintaining measurement continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the dehumidifying agent after it loses effectiveness, the system recovers it by directing dry air from the first drying unit to the second drying unit, where the dehumidifying agent is regenerated. This recovery process extends the usable life of the dehumidifying agent indefinitely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If the dehumidifying agent is not replaced at the correct time, then operational convenience is maintained, but the accuracy of particle measurements is significantly lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidparticle measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a controller that monitors the drying performance and automatically switches between the first and second drying units based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that measurements are always performed when the dehumidifying agent is in optimal condition, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system periodically switches between the first drying unit (for measurement) and the second drying unit (for regeneration) in a cyclic manner. This periodic action ensures that the dehumidifying agent is continuously regenerated before being used again, maintaining consistent measurement accuracy throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If two drying units are implemented with regenerative drying means, then the dehumidifying agent can be regenerated semi-permanently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedehumidifying agent lifespanVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the drying function and regeneration function into a unified dual-unit structure where both functions share common components such as the controller, air circulation system, and dehumidifying agent material. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each drying unit is designed to perform multiple functions: the first drying unit serves both for drying fine particles and for providing dry air to regenerate the dehumidifying agent in the second unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If regenerative drying means are added to enable dehumidifying agent regeneration, then dehumidifying agent replacement is eliminated, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own operational byproducts to sustain itself: the dry air produced during the normal drying operation in the first drying unit is redirected to the second drying unit to regenerate the dehumidifying agent. This self-service approach uses internally generated resources for regeneration, minimizing additional energy input requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts what would otherwise be wasted dry air from the first drying unit into a valuable resource for regenerating the dehumidifying agent in the second drying unit. This conversion transforms a potential waste stream into a beneficial input, reducing the overall energy demand of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 configuration improves the continuity and accuracy of fine particle measurements by reducing the need for frequent dehumidifying agent replacement, enhancing energy efficiency, and allowing for rapid regeneration of the drying unit, thus maintaining high measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

a dehumidifying agent accommodated in an inner space of the drying unit and having a shape surrounding the main passage to dry fine particles passing through the main passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

regenerative drying means for selectively drying and regenerating the dehumidifying agent accommodated in the first drying unit and the dehumidifying agent accommodated in the second drying unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

utilizing discharged dry air for regeneration, along with heaters for efficient temperature adjustment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10877009B2Particle measuring system
Publication Date: 2020.12.29 HCTM
  • US10877009B2 patent drawing
  • US10877009B2 patent drawing
  • US10877009B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A particle measuring system including two drying units. One drying unit serves to dry fine particles, and the other drying unit serves to regenerate a dehumidifying agent. The dehumidifying agent is regenerated and used semi-permanently without being replaced with a replacement and is used more conveniently without the inconvenience of a dehumidifying agent replacing operation. The continuity and accuracy of a measurement result is improved.