Powder Injector Quick Coupling for Faster Cleaning and Color Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder injectors require a lengthy and cumbersome process to disconnect and reconnect supply air lines, making cleaning and color changes inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A powder injector with a quick coupling mechanism that allows simultaneous disconnection and connection of all supply air lines, including the powder hose, using a snap connection and self-resetting locking bars, ensuring easy and tool-free assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional union nut connection is used for supply air lines, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disconnection and reconnection process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The supply air lines are segmented into modular quick coupling connections, allowing each line to be independently and rapidly disconnected. The coupling mechanism divides the connection system into separable male and female parts with locking features, enabling quick detachment without compromising connection integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick coupling mechanism incorporates pre-positioned locking bars and snap connections that are already in place before disconnection is needed. These preliminary structural arrangements allow the operator to simply pull or actuate a release mechanism rather than manually disassemble multiple components, significantly reducing the time required for line disconnection during cleaning operations.
2Reliability
If traditional union nut connection is used for supply air lines, then the connection is secure, but the disassembly process requires loosening the union nut and removing the powder hose separately
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling mechanism merges the disconnection of supply air lines with the removal of the powder hose into a single integrated action. The coupling design allows all connections to be detached simultaneously by removing the powder hose, which triggers the release of locked supply air lines, simplifying the disassembly process while maintaining secure connections when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static, multi-step disassembly process to a dynamic, single-action operation. The locking bars and snap connections are designed to automatically release when a specific force or motion is applied during powder hose removal, making the disassembly process adaptive and responsive to operator input rather than requiring sequential manual manipulation of each connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the collecting nozzle is removed for cleaning, then the injector can be cleaned thoroughly, but the process requires loosening the union nut and removing the powder hose first
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling mechanism prepares the connection system in advance by incorporating automatic release features that are activated when the powder hose is removed. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that supply air lines are already positioned to detach simultaneously with the powder hose, eliminating the need for separate loosening steps and reducing cleaning preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into modular components with independent quick-release features, allowing the collecting nozzle and supply air lines to be accessed and removed independently or together based on cleaning needs. This segmentation provides flexibility in cleaning procedures while maintaining secure connections during operation.
4Reliability
If multiple lines (powder line, conveying air line, fluidizing air line, dosing air line) are connected separately, then each line can be connected securely, but the overall connection process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling mechanism merges the connection of multiple supply air lines (conveying air, fluidizing air, dosing air) with the powder hose connection into a single integrated operation. All lines are connected simultaneously when the powder hose is inserted and locked into place, simplifying the connection process from multiple separate steps to one unified action while maintaining secure connections for each line.
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
Facilitates rapid cleaning and color changes by allowing easy access to the collecting nozzle and clear line connections, reducing cleaning time and improving handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the quick-release fastener has a snap connection. The snap connection provides a more secure and stable connection by locking the parts together.
Implementation Method 2
The quick-release fastener comprises a self-resetting locking bar. The locking bar is securely held in the engaged position, for example, by a spring.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The powder injector with quick coupling according to the invention comprises an injector housing (5) having a powder inlet (12) and supply air inlets (5.15, 5.16, 5.17) and in which a drive nozzle (7) and a collecting nozzle (8) are arranged. Furthermore, the powder injector comprises a line connection block (6) having connections (15, 16, 17) for supply air lines and supply air outlets (6.15, 6.16, 6.17). Furthermore, the powder injector comprises a quick-release fastener (9) with which the line connection block (6) can be fastened to the injector housing (5) and the supply air outlets (6.15, 6.16, 6.17) of the line connection block (6) can be connected to the supply air inlets (5.15, 5.16, 5.17) of the injector housing (5).