Removal Station Pressing Device for Container Base Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing removal stations for fluid materials from storage containers often leave residual volumes due to the container bottom bulging, which cannot be completely emptied by conventional methods, leading to significant and undesirable material loss, especially in heavy containers used for plastic formulations.

Innovation Solution

A height-adjustable pressing device is integrated into the removal station, applying vertically upward forces to the container base, leveling it and preventing bulging, allowing for complete removal of residual material by a suction conveyor system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If the container bottom is allowed to bulge under the weight of filling material, then the container structure remains simple and stable, but residual material remains in the container that cannot be conveyed out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual material lossVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container bottom is pre-tensioned during manufacturing to create an upward bulge that counteracts the downward sagging caused by material weight. This preliminary structural action prevents the container bottom from bulging downward during operation, eliminating dead zones where residual material would otherwise accumulate and ensuring complete material conveyance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a conventional follower plate is used to convey material, then the device structure remains simple, but residual material in the container cannot be completely removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial removal completenessVSAvoidconveyance device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container bottom is pre-formed with an upward bulge that maintains a consistent slope toward the discharge opening. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that material flows continuously toward the outlet without creating stagnant zones, allowing the follower plate to completely evacuate all material including what would otherwise remain as residue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If the container bottom sags under material weight, then the container can hold more material, but the residual volume that cannot be conveyed increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyable material quantityVSAvoidresidual material loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container bottom is pre-tensioned to create an upward bulge that counteracts gravitational sagging. This preliminary structural action maintains the container bottom in a state that promotes complete material flow, ensuring that the maximum quantity of material can be conveyed while minimizing or eliminating residual losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The upward bulge in the container bottom creates a pre-opposing force against the downward sagging tendency caused by material weight. This preliminary anti-action prevents the formation of dead zones and ensures continuous material flow toward the discharge opening, eliminating residual material accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 ensures that the container bottom is aligned horizontally, enabling the complete removal of residual fluid material, minimizing material loss and reducing operational costs by preventing manual handling of residues.

Implementation Method 1

a height-adjustable pressing device (20) is provided in the removal area (5), which comprises a pressure member (22) that can be placed against the underside of the container base (2a) when the container (2) is in its removal position, and a pressing element (23) that can be transferred into a pressing position on the container (2) and presses the container base (2a) relative to the container wall (2b), i.e. applies vertically upward forces on the container base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a conveying device (10) for removing the fluid material from the storage container, with the conveying device having an inlet area for the fluid medium designed as a suction element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2524886B1Removal station
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 2 KOMPONENTEN MASCHBAUU
  • EP2524886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2524886B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The extraction station (1) has a storage container that is installed on an extraction zone (5) and attached with a conveyor (10). A pressing portion is provided adjustably at the extraction zone. A pressure element is placed against the underside of the container bottom portion. A pressing portion is engaged in a pressing position on the container. The container bottom portion is formed relatively to the container wall.