Rotating Cap Dosing Device for Powder Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing powders, especially dangerous or confined products, face risks of accidents and dosing errors due to incorrect handling, flow issues with compact or sticky powders, and challenges in controlling flow rates, particularly when handled remotely or through gloves in shielded enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a cap with a movable mechanism allowing adjustable orifice control and rotation to facilitate flow, combined with a connection system using concentric parts and a stirring rod for continuous mixing, enabling easy and precise dosing from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cap with movable mechanism and orifice control is used, then flow rate control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into multiple independent parts: a first external part with a first orifice, a second external part with a second orifice, and a closure part. These segments can be rotated independently relative to each other, allowing precise control of the effective opening area by aligning or misaligning the orifices. This segmentation enables fine-grained flow control without requiring a complex single-piece mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap employs dynamic elements that can rotate freely relative to each other on a common axis. The first external part, second external part, and closure part are all capable of rotation, allowing the effective opening area to be continuously adjusted by changing the angular position of the orifices. This dynamic configuration provides versatile flow rate control adaptable to different dosing requirements.
2Productivity
If the tank is rotated to promote mixing and flow, then product flow is improved, but product dissemination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to be closed before the tank is rotated. The closure part with its orifices can be positioned to seal the tank opening, preventing product leakage during subsequent rotation operations. This preliminary closing action eliminates the risk of product dissemination while still allowing the tank to be rotated for mixing and flow promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap acts as an intermediary element between the tank and the external environment. When closed, it prevents direct contact between the product and the external environment during rotation, thereby preventing dissemination. When opened, it allows controlled flow while the tank can still be rotated for mixing. The cap mediates between the conflicting requirements of containment and flow control.
3Ease of operation
If simple rotation mechanisms are used for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into multiple rotatable parts with orifices that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows for precise flow control through the alignment or misalignment of orifices, while each individual part remains simple enough to rotate easily. The modular structure combines simplicity with precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism operates in the angular dimension rather than requiring complex linear adjustments. By rotating the cap parts around a common axis, the effective opening area is controlled through the angular position of the orifices relative to each other. This dimensional approach simplifies the mechanism while maintaining precise control capability.
4Productivity
If the cap is kept open for dosing, then dosing speed is improved, but product dissemination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is closed during storage and transport to prevent product dissemination. When dosing is required, the cap can be quickly opened by rotating the appropriate part, allowing rapid access to the product. After dosing, the cap can be closed again to prevent dissemination. This preliminary closing and quick opening/closing cycle maintains both safety and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap transitions between closed and open states periodically during the dosing process. It is closed during storage, opened during dosing, and closed after dosing. This periodic action minimizes the time the cap is open, thereby reducing the risk of product dissemination while still allowing adequate dosing speed when needed.
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 prevents product dissemination, allows easy adjustment of flow rates, and ensures safe, remote handling of powders, even with rudimentary mechanical means, while minimizing risks and ensuring precise dosing.
Implementation Method 1
a rod extending into the reservoir through the opening, in order, here too, to accentuate the stirring or mixing of the product
Implementation Method 2
a second external part, disposed in front of the closing part and comprising a second orifice, being able to rotate with respect to the first external part so as to give at will a superposition of variable surface area, or an absence of superposition, of the second orifice on the first hole
Implementation Method 3
The hopper is placed on a diaphragm through which the neck passes, and this diaphragm is provided with piezoelectric vibration generators. The vibrations communicated to the diaphragm are transmitted to the neck so as to shake the powder and to promote its flow through the neck
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
This dosing device (1) comprises a container (2) and a plug (4) comprising, in addition to a portion (15) for connection to the container, two mobile outer portions (16 and 17). One of the mobile portions (16) is held in place during dosing, while the container (2) rotates continually to assist the flow of the content of same; the other outer portion (17) can be turned as necessary to adjust the opening of the plug. The movements can be carried out by a machine on which the dosing device is positioned upside down, with the plug facing downwards.