Powder Collecting Device With Longitudinal Ventilation Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder processing apparatuses face challenges in effectively collecting and managing heat-melting powders, such as toner, which can lead to clogging and contamination, and require improved ventilation to prevent adherence and maintain environmental cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A powder collecting device with a collecting container and a ventilation passage that allows airflow to pass through, extending in the longitudinal direction of the container, with inlet and ventilation holes to cool the powder and prevent contamination by directing airflow around the powder processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heat-melting powder is collected in a container without ventilation, then the powder can be accumulated for transportation, but the powder may clog and adhere to the container walls due to heat buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ventilation passage with an airflow generator that supplies air to the powder accumulation space. This pneumatic system circulates air through the collected powder, preventing heat buildup and powder adhesion to container walls, thereby maintaining reliable powder flow while enabling accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal environment parameters within the collecting container by introducing airflow. The ventilation passage modifies temperature and air movement parameters to prevent powder clogging, allowing the container to accumulate heat-melting powder without compromising flow reliability.
2Temperature
If the ventilation passage is opened to the external environment, then airflow can cool the powder, but powder may escape and contaminate the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ventilation system into an internal ventilation passage and an external opening. The ventilation passage is partitioned from the powder accumulation space, allowing air to flow through and cool the powder while preventing direct contact between external air and the powder, thus avoiding contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation passage acts as an intermediary structure between the powder accumulation space and the external environment. It allows thermal exchange through the partitioned passage while blocking the escape of powder particles, serving as a mediator that enables cooling without contamination.
3Reliability
If the collecting container is fixed to the processing apparatus, then powder collection is stable, but the container cannot be easily removed for emptying and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the collecting container can be selectively fixed or removed. The container is configured to be fixable to the processing apparatus during operation for stable powder collection, and removable when needed for emptying or maintenance, providing operational flexibility.
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 solution effectively suppresses clogging of heat-melting powders, prevents contamination of the environment, and ensures efficient collection and transportation of powders by cooling the regions around the collecting openings and blowing away toner clouds, thereby maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the powder processing units.
Implementation Method 1
Airflow generated by an airflow generator passes through the ventilation passage
Data Source
AI summary
A powder collecting device includes a collecting container and a ventilation passage. The collecting container is removably attachable to a housing of a processing apparatus including a powder processing unit, has one or more collecting openings through which heat-melting powder transported from the powder processing unit is collected, and includes an accommodation space capable of accommodating the collected powder. The ventilation passage is partitioned from the accommodation space of the collecting container. Airflow generated by an airflow generator passes through the ventilation passage. The ventilation passage extends in a longitudinal direction of the collecting container, and has an inlet through which the airflow is introduced and a ventilation hole formed in a downstream section of the ventilation passage in a direction of the airflow.