Powder-Contact Surface Texture for Adhesion-Free Layer Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to effectively prevent powder adhesion and ensure flowability on surfaces contacting powders of various sizes and materials, particularly when powders are in the form of layers, and are limited by material compatibility and two-dimensional roughness parameters.

Innovation Solution

A powder-contacting member with a surface treated to achieve specific three-dimensional roughness parameters, including arithmetic average peak curvature of 150 to 400, peak density of 10000 to 180000, root mean square gradient of 0.05 to 0.30, and arithmetic average height of 0.02 to 3.00, using methods like blasting, polishing, or laser machining, regardless of material or shape, to prevent adhesion and enhance flowability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two-dimensional roughness parameters (Ra) are used to prevent powder adhesion, then adhesion prevention is achieved for certain particle sizes, but the solution is limited to specific particle diameter ranges and cannot effectively handle powders of various sizes including those in layer form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion prevention effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to various particle sizes and materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using two-dimensional roughness parameters (Ra) to three-dimensional surface texture parameters (Spd, Sdq, Spc) that characterize the surface topology more comprehensively. This dimensional change in parameter measurement enables effective adhesion prevention across a broader range of powder particle sizes and materials, including powders in layer form that cannot be handled by conventional Ra-based approaches

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If films are formed on the surface to prevent powder adhesion, then adhesion prevention is achieved, but the films may peel off and contaminate the powder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion preventionVSAvoidfilm peeling and powder contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the film layer from the surface treatment approach and instead directly modifies the substrate surface topology through blasting treatment. This extraction of the film component eliminates the risk of film peeling and powder contamination while maintaining adhesion prevention effectiveness through the engineered three-dimensional surface texture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conventional surface roughening is applied to prevent powder adhesion, then adhesion is reduced, but powder flowability is not sufficiently improved and supply stability cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowder supply stabilityVSAvoidpowder flowability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically optimizes multiple surface texture parameters (peak density Spd: 1000-10000 pieces/mm², root mean square gradient Sdq: 0.05-0.30, arithmetic average peak curvature Spc: 150-400 1/mm) rather than relying on a single roughness parameter. This multi-parameter optimization simultaneously achieves both adhesion prevention and enhanced powder flowability, ensuring stable powder supply and improved productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 treated surface effectively prevents powder adhesion and improves flowability across a wide range of particle sizes, applicable to various materials and existing products, without the need for forming films that may peel off, ensuring stable powder supply and transport.

Implementation Method 1

an arithmetic average peak curvature Spc (1/mm) of the surface is 150 to 400, a peak density Spd (piece/mm2) of the surface is 10000 to 180000, a root mean square gradient Sdq of the surface is 0.05 to 0.30, and an arithmetic average height Sa (μm) of the surface is 0.02 to 3.00

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface roughness:

Data Source

PatentUS12017326B2Powder contact member and method for surface treatment of powder contact member
Publication Date: 2024.06.25 FUJI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A surface treatment method for preventing adhesion of powder to a powder-contacting member having a surface on which contacted powder flows in the form of a particle layer. The method includes performing surface treatment on the surface such that an arithmetic average peak curvature Spc (1/mm) of the surface is 150 to 400, a peak density Spd (piece/mm2) of the surface is 10000 to 180000, a root mean square gradient Sdq of the surface is 0.05 to 0.30, and an arithmetic average height Sa (μm) of the surface is 0.02 to 3.00, and providing a space where an air layer can exist between the particle layer and the surface.