Powder Recovery Device With Segmented Collection And Elevated Vents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder recovery devices face challenges in efficiently collecting and transporting used powder from processing sections, leading to issues such as uneven distribution and potential clogging of air vent ports, which can result in increased internal pressure and defective operation of opening and closing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A powder recovery device with a recovery container and transport member that includes multiple recovery ports positioned higher than the powder collection area and air vent ports located further upward than the transport member, ensuring even powder transport and airflow to prevent clogging and maintain balanced internal pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If powder is collected in a single location in the recovery container, then the collection process is simple, but the powder distribution becomes uneven and causes clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery container is divided into multiple collection chambers (first, second, third collection chambers) with separate recovery ports. This segmentation allows powder to be collected in multiple distributed locations rather than a single location, ensuring uniform powder distribution while maintaining a relatively simple collection process for each individual chamber.
2Volume of moving object
If air vent ports are positioned at the same level as powder collection, then the structure is compact, but powder clogs the air vent ports causing increased internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent ports are positioned at a higher vertical level than the powder collection chambers. This dimensional separation in the vertical direction prevents powder from reaching and clogging the air vent ports while maintaining compact horizontal footprint. The air vent ports communicate with the external atmosphere through this elevated positioning, ensuring reliable airflow without powder interference.
3Productivity
If multiple recovery ports are provided at different positions, then powder collection efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery container is segmented into multiple independent collection chambers (first, second, third collection chambers), each with its own recovery port. This segmentation enables simultaneous or sequential powder collection from multiple sources through different ports, improving overall collection efficiency. Each chamber can be independently managed, which simplifies the control complexity despite having multiple ports.
4Use of energy by moving object
If transport member is positioned at lower level, then powder transport is gravity-assisted, but air vent ports become vulnerable to powder intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent ports are positioned in the vertical upper region of the recovery container, separated from the transport member's operational level. This vertical dimensional separation allows gravity-assisted powder transport at lower levels while preventing powder intrusion into air vent ports at higher levels. The air vent ports are strategically located above the maximum powder level, ensuring they remain free from powder contamination while maintaining energy-efficient gravity-based transport.
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 recovers and transports used powder, preventing clogging and maintaining balanced internal pressure, thus ensuring efficient operation and reducing the risk of defective mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
recovers used powder transported from a powder processing section that performs a process using powder
Implementation Method 2
plural air vent ports are at least separately provided at regions with a center of the recovery container in the longitudinal direction of the recovery container interposed therebetween, are located further upward than the transport member, and are installed at positions deviating from drop paths of powder
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a powder recovery device including a recovery container that includes a powder collection chamber therein, recovers used powder transported from a powder processing section that performs a process using powder, and collects the recovered powder in the powder collection chamber, and a transport member that is provided within the recovery container along the longitudinal direction of the recovery container, and evenly transports powder collected in the powder collection chamber, wherein plural recovery ports are provided at positions located higher than a highest location in the recovery container at which powder is collected, and plural air vent ports are at least separately provided at regions with a center of the recovery container in the longitudinal direction of the recovery container interposed therebetween.