Powder Layer Trimming for Lateral Waste Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for forming ceramic tiles or slabs with thicker powder layers face inefficiencies in trimming and recycling the powder, leading to excessive material recovery and recycling challenges due to the geometry of the powder layer and the positioning of trimming blades.

Innovation Solution

The trimming blades are repositioned internally within the decreasing triangular sections of the powder layer edges, allowing for subdivision into parts with identical sections, and transfer means are used to move external powder internally, ensuring a regular rectangular section and efficient powder usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If trimming blades are positioned externally to the powder layer edges, then powder can be trimmed and removed, but excessive powder quantity must be recuperated and recycled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowder wasteVSAvoidpowder to be recuperated
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning blades externally to trim powder edges, the invention inverts the approach by positioning blades internally within the decreasing section of the powder layer. This internal positioning allows the blades to subdivide the powder section into two parts with substantially identical sections, thereby reducing the quantity of powder that needs to be externally trimmed and recuperated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies segmentation by using trimming blades to divide the powder layer's decreasing section into two substantially identical parts. This segmentation occurs internally within the powder layer structure, allowing for more efficient powder distribution and reduced waste material that requires recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If trimming blades are positioned internally within the decreasing section of powder layer edges, then powder distribution is optimized and recycling efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling efficiencyVSAvoidblade positioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by positioning the trimming blades upstream within the decreasing section of the powder layer before the powder reaches the compacting station. This advance positioning allows the blades to pre-subdivide the powder section into optimized parts, ensuring efficient powder distribution and reduced waste before compaction occurs, thereby improving overall recycling efficiency without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach allows for consistent layer thickness and reduced powder loss, improving the efficiency of the powder recycling and deposition process, especially for thicker layers, by optimizing the distribution and recycling of powder material.

Implementation Method 1

an outlet thereof connected to means for creating a depression able to aspirate the powder material through the outlet of the hood

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAspiration: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3030392B1A method and a system for reducing lateral powder waste of a layer of powder advancing on a mobile conveyor surface
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOC COOP ARL
  • EP3030392B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3030392B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3030392B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A method for reduction of lateral powder waste of a layer of powder material advancing on a mobile conveyor surface, the strip of powder material having a transversal section with decreasing thickness diminishing also in accordance with the angle of friction of the powder exhibiting a section alike an isosceles trapezium, and two containing walls being provided for the powder layer, perpendicular to the sliding surface and parallel to the advancement direction thereof, the method comprising the following activities: positioning the containing walls internally of each strip of powder having a decreasing thickness, so as to divide each strip into two portions having a substantially identical section, and transferring the powder which during the advancing of the strip is external of the walls into the space afforded between the walls in proximity of the walls. The device for reducing the lateral waste of powder comprises two lateral containing walls 6 for the powder having an adjustable gauge, as well as means (5, 7) for transferring, during the advancing of the strip, the powder which is external of the -walls into the space afforded between the walls in proximity thereof.