Rotatable Distribution Disc Particle Blasting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle blasting devices face complexity in achieving a good seal between rotating and non-rotating components, leading to increased motor torque and construction complexity, especially when using solid CO2 pellets which can block inlet and outlet channels due to gravity.

Innovation Solution

A particle blasting device with a rotatable distribution disc that forms a temporary connection between supply and discharge channels on a single mixing plate, simplifying the seal and preventing channel blockage by exposing only one side to carrier gas pressure, using a non-rotatable sealing plate and pressure-dependent seal mechanism outside the cold zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rotatable distribution disc is used with multiple non-rotatable plates for sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and motor torque increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts one of the two non-rotatable sealing plates, reducing the sealing interface from two surfaces to one. The distribution disc now seals only against a single non-rotatable mixing plate, eliminating the need for a second sealing interface and its associated complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the pressure-dependent seal mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function at a specific location (one sealing surface) rather than distributing it across multiple surfaces. The pressure-dependent seal mechanism creates a localized high-pressure sealing zone that compensates for the reduced number of sealing interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a rotatable distribution disc rotates about a horizontal axis between top and bottom chambers, then particle mixing is improved, but the seal complexity and motor torque increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle mixing effectivenessVSAvoidchamber construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional horizontal axis rotation between two chambers to vertical axis rotation with a single chamber. The distribution disc now rotates vertically within one mixing chamber, with particles fed from the top and mixture discharged from the bottom, eliminating the need for complex two-chamber construction while maintaining mixing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the rotation axis from horizontal to vertical, fundamentally altering the spatial arrangement. This dimensional change allows the distribution disc to rotate within a single vertical chamber rather than horizontally between two chambers, simplifying the overall construction while preserving the mixing function.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the distribution disc is exposed to carrier gas pressure on both sides, then particle distribution is improved, but the sealing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle distribution uniformityVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts one side of the distribution disc from the carrier gas pressure environment. Instead of exposing both sides to pressurized carrier gas, only the top side receives carrier gas input, while the bottom side remains at atmospheric pressure or lower pressure, eliminating the need for a second sealing interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 simplifies the sealing process, reduces motor torque, and prevents channel blockage, ensuring consistent and efficient operation with reduced wear and leakage, while maintaining effective mixing and uniform particle distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the particles will not leave the cavities in the distribution disc as a result of the force of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The pressure at which the seal is produced can be regulated by means of springs or sealing elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP1878537B1Device for particle blasting
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 ARTIMPEX
  • EP1878537B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1878537B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1878537B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a device for particle blasting, comprising a mixing device for mixing the particles and the carrier gas. The mixing device comprises, on the one hand, a mixing plate (3) wherein at least one supply channel (6) for the carrier gas, at least one supply channel for the particles (14) and at least one discharge channel (7) for the mixture are provided, and on the other hand, comprises a rotatable distribution disc (1) provided with cavities (2), which during rotation are positioned in such a way that they are first filled with particles and then form a temporary connection between the supply channel (6) and the discharge channel (7), with the result that the carrier gas and the particles are mixed. Since both the supply channel and the discharge channel are provided in one and the same element, the seal between mixing plate and rotor is easy to achieve.