Pneumatic Outlet Device Sealing Geometry for Bulk Material Silos
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outlet devices for bulk material processing require actuators to seal the passage opening, which increases complexity and costs, and may not meet stringent hygiene requirements such as those in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
An outlet device with a base body and closure element featuring a pneumatically adjustable sealing element with variable volume, allowing for a sealed connection without an actuator, and a control and regulation unit to manage the sealing geometry, ensuring a good seal while minimizing contact with the bulk material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an actuator is used to seal the passage opening, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to automatically seal the passage opening when the closure element moves into the closed position, eliminating the need for an external actuator. The sealing element's own geometry and the movement of the closure element provide the sealing action, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with a geometric solution where the sealing element's shape and the closure element's movement create the seal. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical actuation mechanisms while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If a sealing element with adjustable sealing geometry is used, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element features an adjustable sealing geometry that can change its shape to adapt to different sealing requirements. This dynamic geometry allows the sealing element to effectively seal the passage opening without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element's geometry parameters are designed to change in response to the closure element's movement, automatically adjusting the sealing contact pressure and geometry to maintain effective sealing throughout the closing operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing element has variable volume, then the sealing adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with a flexible structure that can change its volume and shape. This flexibility allows the sealing element to adapt to different sealing conditions and compensate for manufacturing tolerances or wear, while the thin-walled design enables this volume variability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the outlet device minimizes contact between sealing element and bulk material, then hygiene standards are improved, but the sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the sealing element operates in a sealed chamber away from bulk material contact, while the closure element handles the bulk material. This segmentation allows the sealing element to maintain hygiene standards by minimizing contact with bulk material, while the closure element ensures reliable sealing action.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a discharge device (13), in particular for a bulk material silo, comprising a base body (14) having a through-opening (16), a closure element (17) provided for closing the through-opening (16), and at least one sealing element (34) provided for sealing a connection between the base body (14) and the closure element (17), wherein the at least one sealing element (34) has an adjustable sealing geometry, a bulk material silo with such a discharge device (13), and a method for operating the discharge device (13).