Powder Supply Device With Variable-Capacity Chambers for Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powder supply apparatuses face challenges in easily adjusting the amount of powder discharged through the discharge port.
Innovation Solution
A powder supply apparatus with a storage member, discharging member, feeding member, and shutters (inlet, outlet, and intermediate) that allow for precise control of powder discharge by stacking feeding chambers with varying capacities and controlling the shutters to adjust the discharge amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional powder supply apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of adjustment of powder discharge amount is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding member is divided into multiple feeding chambers with different capacities, allowing independent control of powder discharge amounts. Each chamber can be selectively activated through the intermediate shutter mechanism, enabling precise adjustment of total powder discharge by combining different chamber capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate shutter acts as a mediator between the feeding chambers and the discharge port, controlling which chambers are connected to the discharge path. This intermediary component enables selective activation of specific chambers, facilitating precise control over powder discharge amounts without requiring complex valve mechanisms for each chamber.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feeding chambers with different capacities are used, then the adaptability of powder discharge amounts is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding member is segmented into multiple chambers with predetermined different capacities, each capable of storing specific amounts of powder. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various discharge requirements by selecting different chamber combinations, providing versatility without requiring complex measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate shutter provides dynamic control over which feeding chambers are connected to the discharge port. By opening or closing the intermediate shutter to connect different chambers, the system can dynamically adjust the discharge amount based on operational requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple structural framework.
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
Enables easy adjustment of powder discharge to specific amounts, enhancing the flexibility and precision of powder supply in additive manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an inlet shutter configured to open and close an inlet opening for feeding the powder in the storage chamber to the feeding member
Implementation Method 2
an outlet shutter configured to open and close an outlet opening for feeding powder in the feeding member to the discharge port
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate shutter configured to open and close an intermediate opening that makes one feeding chamber and another feeding chamber communicate with each other
Implementation Method 4
a feeding member disposed below the storage member and above the discharging member, configured to feed powder in the storage chamber to the discharge port
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is provided a technique capable of easily adjusting the amount of powder to be discharged through a discharge port of a powder supply apparatus. A powder supply apparatus 30 includes: a storage member 31 including a storage chamber 38; a discharging member 33 including a discharge port 39 to discharge powder; a feeding member 32 disposed below the storage member and above the discharging member, configured to feed powder in the storage chamber to the discharge port, and including a plurality of feeding chambers 40, 41 having capacities different from one another inside the feeding member such that the plurality of feeding chambers are stacked in an up-down direction; an inlet shutter 34 configured to open and close an inlet opening 42 for feeding the powder in the storage chamber to the feeding member; an outlet shutter 35 configured to open and close an outlet opening 43 for feeding powder in the feeding member to the discharge port; and an intermediate shutter 36 configured to open and close an intermediate opening 44 to make one feeding chamber and another feeding chamber included in the plurality of feeding chambers and adjacent to each other communicate with each other.