Segmented Elastomer Transport Member for Curved Tube Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport members made of elastomers, used in curved portions of tubes for powder transport, tend to harden when not in use for extended periods, leading to noise issues when restarted due to contact with the tube walls.
Innovation Solution
A transport member with a shaft and helical blades that are divided by slits to form multiple short blades, providing increased flexibility and reducing the likelihood of contact with the tube walls upon restart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transport member made of elastomer is used in a curved portion of a tube, then the transport member can be disposed in the curved portion and maintain flexibility during operation, but the transport member hardens when not in use for extended periods, causing it to contact the tube wall and generate noise upon restart
Solution Approach 1:
The transport member is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment capable of independent movement. This segmentation allows the transport member to maintain flexibility in curved portions while preventing the hardening effect from causing continuous contact with the tube wall, thereby reducing noise generation upon restart
Solution Approach 2:
The transport member incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its flexibility characteristics based on operational state. During operation, the transport member maintains sufficient flexibility to navigate curved portions, while during idle periods, the dynamic structure prevents permanent deformation and contact with the tube wall, eliminating noise upon restart
2Ease of operation
If the transport member is made of elastic material such as elastomer, then the transport member can be disposed in a hollow tube and rotate to transport powder, but the transport member becomes hardened when stationary for long periods, causing contact with the tube wall
Solution Approach 1:
The transport member utilizes materials or structural designs that change their physical parameters based on operational conditions. When rotating, the material maintains elastic properties for smooth operation, while when stationary, the structure transitions to a state that prevents hardening and contact with the tube wall, thus avoiding noise upon restart
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 enhances the flexibility of the transport member in curved regions, preventing noise generation by maintaining a softer state and ensuring smooth rotation upon reactivation.
Implementation Method 1
If the transport member is not rotating for a long period of time, although the transport member is made of, for example, an elastic material such as an elastomer, the transport member will become somewhat hardened while keeping its stationary position.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport member includes a shaft and plural blades that extend around the shaft so as to transport a target object that is to be transported and that is present around the plural blades in a direction in which the shaft extends by rotating with the shaft, the plural blades extending in at least a region of the transport member in the direction in which the shaft extends in such a manner that the plural blades are sequentially out of phase with one another in a direction in which the plural blades rotate. The at least a portion in the direction in which the shaft extends has flexibility.