Dense-Phase Powder Pump Pinch Valve for Easy Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dense phase powder pumps face difficulties in maintenance, particularly in replacing clogged filter elements and defective pinch valves, leading to potential leaks and compromised functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pinch valve with a tubular support structure composed of segmented shell elements that form a cartridge-like unit, allowing easy installation and replacement without disrupting the pump's functionality, and a pinch valve housing for detachable connection to the powder conveying chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically operated pinch valve arrangement is used to limit the powder conveying chamber, then the pump can convey powder effectively, but the pinch valve and filter element become difficult to replace and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple detachable shell elements that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows the valve element to be accessed and replaced by simply detaching the shell elements, without requiring disruption of the entire pinch valve assembly or filter element replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element is extracted as a separate, replaceable component from the support structure. The detachable shell elements allow the valve element to be removed and replaced independently, solving the maintenance difficulty while preserving the pump's conveying functionality
2Device complexity
If the pinch valve assembly is integrated with the filter element, then the pump structure is compact, but replacing the filter element disrupts the pinch valve assembly and may cause leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into detachable shell elements that can be separated without affecting the filter element or pinch valve assembly integrity. This allows filter element replacement while maintaining the sealing functionality of the integrated assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The shell elements are extracted as separate components that can be detached for maintenance access. This extraction approach allows filter element replacement without disrupting the pinch valve assembly, preventing leaks while maintaining structural compactness
3Ease of operation
If a traditional pinch valve design is used, then the valve can effectively control powder flow, but the valve element is difficult to access and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into detachable shell elements that can be easily separated to expose the valve element. This segmentation maintains effective powder flow control during operation while enabling easy access and replacement of the valve element when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element is designed to be extractable from the segmented support structure. The detachable shell elements provide easy access to the valve element for replacement while preserving its flow control functionality during normal operation
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 easy maintenance and replacement of pinch valves and filter elements, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring reliable pump operation with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
a squeezing means in order to be able to act on the peripheral wall of the valve element in order to squeeze the peripheral wall of the valve element
Implementation Method 2
a (gas-permeable) filter element at least partially accommodated in a casing body or casing tube
Data Source
AI summary
A dense-phase powder pump for conveying powder-type materials, in particular coating powder, includes at least one powder conveying chamber with a filter element that has at least regions thereof accommodated in a casing body and at least one pinch valve that is or can be connected to an end region of the powder conveying chamber. In particular, the pinch valve includes a valve element with at least regions that are sleeve-like, wherein the peripheral wall thereof can be squeezed together transverse to the valve element longitudinal axis in order to change the through-flow cross-section, and also includes a substantially tubular support structure, in which at least regions of the valve element are accommodated, wherein the support structure consists of multiple shell elements which are arranged one after another around the peripheral wall in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the valve element, each having an arched cross-section, and which are placed on the outside of the valve element in a radial direction relative to the valve element longitudinal axis.