Particulate Duster with Static Charge and Pneumatic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particulate dusters require manual refilling, leading to the unwanted spread of particulate matter and potential hazardous conditions due to the distribution of materials during filling.
Innovation Solution
A particulate duster system comprising a particulate applicator, sifter assembly, and auger assembly that uses rotating rubber discs and oscillating sifter plates to create a static charge and control the distribution of particulate matter onto a moving conveyor, ensuring uniform application without spreading the material during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual refilling is used, then the device can be refilled, but particulate matter spreads uncontrollably creating hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A closed transfer duct system acts as an intermediary between the storage container and the applicator, conveying particulate matter through a sealed pathway that prevents unwanted spread during transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
A vacuum system with a vacuum source and transfer duct creates a controlled pneumatic environment to move particulate matter from the storage container to the applicator without manual handling, eliminating the hazard of uncontrolled spread
2Manufacturing precision
If rotating rubber discs are used to create static charge, then particulate matter is attracted and deposited uniformly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical distribution mechanisms with a simpler system using rotating rubber discs that generate static charge to attract and deposit particulate matter, reducing mechanical complexity while improving uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the applicator surface by using rubber material that generates static charge, fundamentally altering how particulate matter interacts with the surface from mechanical contact to electrostatic attraction
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 and uniformly dispenses particulate materials like flour or sugar onto a conveyor, minimizing waste and reducing hazardous conditions by using a combination of static charge attraction and controlled distribution mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the rubber discs causes the creation of a static charge such that particulate matter within the housing is attracted to the wheels
Implementation Method 2
The sifter plate is couple to an electric motor that causes the sifter plate to slide back and forth in a horizontal plane with respect to a fixed plate with apertures within the housing
Implementation Method 3
The housing also includes an elongated curved bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a series of apertures configured to let particulate matter to pass there through. The housing of the particulate auger assembly includes a rotatable auger having first and second auger halves that have helical flights
Data Source
AI summary
A particulate duster system includes a duster used to apply particulate matter to a food product moving along a conveyor positioned beneath the duster. The duster is used to uniformly dispense particulate matter onto a moving product conveyor for carrying a food product to be dusted.