Rotatable Shut-off Member for Adjustable Dropletizing Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dropletizing devices require dismantling and modification to accommodate different flowable products, leading to inefficiencies in producing uniform droplets due to fixed nozzle configurations and inability to adjust flow rates without stopping the device.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable shut-off member with protrusions is integrated into the device, allowing for adjustable flow rates and cross-sectional settings of supply ducts without disassembly, enabling optimization for various products and maintaining uniform droplet size along the drum or cooling belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dropletizing devices use fixed nozzle configurations, then device structure is simple, but adaptability to different flowable products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotatable shut-off member that can adjust the cross-sectional area of supply ducts during operation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the device to adapt to different flowable products (improving adaptability) without requiring complete disassembly or replacement of nozzle components (maintaining structural simplicity). The shut-off member rotates to different positions to control flow rates, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable system.
2Productivity
If conventional devices require dismantling to modify nozzle configuration, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the shut-off member with specific geometric features (such as inclined surfaces or stepped structures) that enable quick adjustment to predetermined flow rates. The shut-off member is designed in advance with multiple positioning options, allowing operators to rapidly switch between different flow configurations by simply rotating to the next position, eliminating the need for time-consuming dismantling and reassembly operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional devices have fixed supply duct cross sections, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of uniform droplets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the supply duct cross-sectional area adjustable through the shut-off member, while keeping the rest of the device structure (outer drum, nozzle strip, support structure) fixed and simple. The adjustment mechanism is localized to specific regions where flow rate control is needed, rather than making the entire device complex. This targeted approach achieves uniform droplet size (manufacturing precision) without overwhelming structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dropletizing a flowable product, having an outer drum, which is arranged in a rotatable manner on a core and is provided with a plurality of through-openings in its circumference. A feed duct extends in the longitudinal direction of the core and a distribution device bearing against the inner circumference of the outer drum are provided in the core. At least one supply duct is provided between the feed duct and the distribution device along the length of the feed duct, and a shut-off member for setting a free cross section of the at least one supply duct is provided.