Instant Powder Conveyor with Back-Feed Screw Against Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In drinks preparing machines, the fluidity of instant powder in containers is impaired by humidity, leading to bridge formation and reduced or interrupted conveying functions of conveyor devices, which is particularly problematic in vapor-generating devices, and existing solutions like agitators and air cushions are not effective for household or semi-professional applications.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable wire conveyor spindle with a contra-rotating back feed conveyor screw and an elastically adjustable striking element are used to ensure even distribution of instant powder, preventing heap-up and lid lifting, with the back feed conveyor screw starting near the end of the wire conveyor spindle and having a shorter track, and the striking element driven by the wire conveyor spindle to loosen powder without additional drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wire conveyor spindle or conveyor screw is used to convey instant powder horizontally in the lower area of the container, then the conveying function is provided, but the instant powder heaps up at the outflow end and distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
A contra-rotating back feed conveyor screw is introduced that rotates in the opposite direction to the main conveyor spindle. This reverse rotation creates a counter-flow effect that redistributes the instant powder from the outflow end back toward the inlet, preventing heap-up and ensuring even distribution throughout the container.
2Reliability
If agitators, vibrators, paddles, or air cushions are used to loosen instant powder and prevent bridge formation, then the conveying function is maintained, but the device complexity and drive requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The back feed conveyor screw is integrated with the main conveyor spindle system, sharing the same housing and operational space. Both components are driven by a single motor through a transmission mechanism, combining the conveying and anti-heapup functions into one unified system rather than requiring separate agitators, vibrators, or air cushion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-rotating screw system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the main conveyor spindle transports powder toward the outflow, while the contra-rotating back feed screw prevents heap-up and ensures even distribution. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices dedicated to each function.
3Device complexity
If the back feed conveyor track is made shorter than the main conveyor track, then the even distribution is achieved without excessive complexity, but the back feed effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The back feed conveyor screw is positioned specifically in the critical area where heap-up occurs (near the outflow end), with its track extending only as far as necessary to address the distribution problem. This localized approach provides effective back feed action where needed most without requiring the entire length of the main conveyor track.
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 ensures even distribution of instant powder, prevents bridge formation, and maintains the conveying function without additional complex drives, making it suitable for household and semi-professional applications.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor screw or wire conveyor spindle disposed within a lower area of the instant powder container
Implementation Method 2
at least one back feed conveyor screw contra-rotating thereto is disposed, and the back feed conveyor track of this back feed conveyor screw starts near the end of the wire conveyor spindle
Implementation Method 3
the striking element driven by the wire conveyor spindle to loosen powder
Data Source
AI summary
An instant powder conveyor device of a drinks preparing machine including a rotatable wire conveyor spindle disposed substantially horizontally in a bottom area of the instant powder container. At the wire conveyor spindle, an outflow opening is provided. In the instant powder container, above the wire conveyor spindle at least one back feed conveyor screw is arranged. Its back feed conveyor track starts near the end of the wire conveyor spindle, or conveyor track, and is shorter than the conveyor track of the wire conveyor spindle.