Rotatable Member Densifies Particulate Matter in Transport Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loading particulate matter, such as dried distiller's grains, into transport containers often result in incomplete filling due to voids or empty spaces, as the particulate matter is not adequately densified during the loading process.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a rotatable member positioned within the transport container to radially spread and densify particulate matter by rotating and pushing it into the container's peripheral regions, ensuring maximum utilization of space and minimizing voids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If particulate matter is loaded into transport containers using gravity through a spout, then the loading process is simple, but the containers are not fully loaded and voids or empty spaces form within the containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading process simplicityVSAvoidcontainer filling completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotatable member that rotates to dynamically push and spread particulate matter into peripheral regions of the container. This dynamic motion transforms the static gravity-fed loading process into an active densification process, enabling the system to achieve both operational simplicity and complete container filling by mechanically redistributing the material during loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If particulate matter is loaded using gravity through a spout, then the loading process is straightforward, but the particulate matter is not densified and voids form

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading process straightforwardnessVSAvoidparticulate matter densification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable member introduces dynamic mechanical action into the loading process, rotating to push and spread particulate matter into peripheral regions. This dynamic mechanism maintains process straightforwardness while achieving precise densification by actively redistributing material to eliminate voids, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If a rotatable member is used to push particulate matter into peripheral regions, then container capacity is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer capacity utilizationVSAvoidloading apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable member serves multiple functions: it pushes particulate matter into peripheral regions, spreads material to eliminate voids, and densifies the load. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single rotating component, the system optimizes container capacity while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as one multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively increases the bulk density of particulate matter within the container by filling voids and corners, allowing for a more efficient and complete loading process without manual re-leveling, thereby optimizing container capacity.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber... engaging the rotational member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within in the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial spreading:

Implementation Method 2

The solution effectively increases the bulk density of particulate matter within the container by filling voids and corners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compaction:

Data Source

PatentUS8469065B2System for loading particulate matter into a transport container

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 POET RESEARCH INC

AI summary

A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.