Movable Powder Suction Mount for Sealed Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing powders face issues with maintaining powder quality and operator safety during storage and transportation, often relying on inefficient and wasteful small disposable containers that hinder access to all powder and create environmental contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A powder handling device with a mounting portion and a movable powder suction unit that fits over a UN certified powder container, allowing complete access and safe, efficient transfer of powder using a flexible gasket and automated or manual control, with a closed-loop flow circuit for safe and complete powder handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small disposable containers are used to transfer manufacturing powder, then operator safety and powder quality are maintained, but efficiency is reduced and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the powder handling process into distinct zones (storage container, transfer mechanism, processing chamber) while maintaining continuous powder flow through sealed connections, eliminating the need for disposable containers while preserving safety
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the storage container and processing chamber, enabling safe powder transfer without direct exposure for operators and without requiring disposable containers
2Reliability
If small disposable containers are used to transfer manufacturing powder, then powder quality is maintained, but waste is generated and environmental contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes continuous sealed connections between storage and processing areas, allowing complete powder transfer without interruption or waste, eliminating the need to discard containers and residual powder
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding disposable containers, the system recovers and reuses the same sealed transfer mechanisms repeatedly, eliminating waste while maintaining powder quality through consistent sealing
3Ease of operation
If small disposable containers are used, then complete access to powder is limited, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic transfer mechanism that can be positioned and controlled to access different portions of the powder container, enabling complete powder utilization while the automated control manages the complexity
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
Ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation and use of manufacturing powders by providing complete access to the powder and minimizing contamination risks, while maintaining a controlled environment for operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
A flow device is fluidly connected to the mounting portion inlet and the suction unit outlet such that a pressure differential is created to move powder from the container
Data Source
AI summary
A powder handling device is provided, along with apparatus and methods of its use. The powder handling device includes a mounting portion defining a plane and comprising a mounting interface; a fixture device configured to mount the mounting portion over an opening of a powder container at a mounting interface; and a powder suction unit attached to the mounting portion and passing through the plane. The powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting portion with at least one degree of freedom. The powder handling device may be mounted onto an opening of a powder container.