Segmented Pinch Valve Structure for Dense-Phase Powder Pump Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dense phase powder pumps face difficulties in maintaining and replacing clogged filter elements and defective pinch valves, leading to potential leaks and complex maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A pinch valve design featuring a tubular valve element with a segmented support structure composed of shell elements, allowing easy assembly and replacement without compromising functionality, combined with a pinch valve housing for easy detachment and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanically actuated plunger is used to pinch off or open the hose section, then the powder pump can control powder flow, but the pinch valve becomes difficult to replace and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple shell elements (first shell element, second shell element, etc.) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the valve element to be accessed and replaced by simply detaching the shell elements, without requiring disassembly of the entire pinch valve assembly or interference with the powder feed chamber connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element is nested within the support structure formed by the shell elements, which in turn are received within the pinch valve housing. This nested arrangement allows the valve element to be replaced by accessing it through the detachable shell elements, while the housing and connection to the powder feed chamber remain intact.
2Reliability
If the filter element is accommodated in the powder feed chamber with the pinch valve structure, then the pump can filter powder, but the filter element cannot be replaced without interfering with the pinch valve structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into detachable shell elements that can be separated to provide access to the valve element. This segmentation enables maintenance of the valve element without interfering with the filter element or its replacement, as the shell elements can be detached independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve element and its support structure are extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component from the main pump body. The shell elements can be detached to remove or replace the valve element without touching the filter element, which remains in place within the powder feed chamber.
3Reliability
If a complex pinch valve arrangement is used to ensure reliable operation, then powder flow can be controlled, but the risk of leaks increases after maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into detachable shell elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation simplifies maintenance operations, allowing quick replacement of the valve element by simply detaching and reattaching shell elements, reducing the complexity and time required for maintenance while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell elements are designed with features that facilitate easy attachment and detachment before maintenance is needed. The preliminary design of the detachable support structure ensures that future maintenance can be performed quickly and correctly, reducing the risk of improper assembly and potential leaks.
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
Facilitates easy maintenance and replacement of pinch valves and filter elements, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring reliable operation with a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The peripheral wall of which can be squeezed transversely to the valve element longitudinal axis in order to change the flow cross-section
Implementation Method 2
at least one powder conveying chamber with a (gas-permeable) filter element
Implementation Method 3
a (gas-permeable) filter element accommodated at least partially in a casing body or casing tube
Implementation Method 4
The powder feed chamber has at least one connection for alternately applying an overpressure and a negative pressure in the powder feed chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dense-phase powder pump (1) for conveying powder-type materials, in particular coating powder, wherein the dense-phase powder pump (1) comprises at least one powder conveying chamber (2, 2') with a filter element (5) that has at least regions thereof accommodated in a casing body (4) and at least one pinch valve (6, 7) that is or can be connected to an end region of the powder conveying chamber (2, 2'). In particular, according to the invention, the pinch valve (6, 7) comprises a valve element (14) with at least regions that are sleeve-like, wherein the peripheral wall thereof can be squeezed together transverse to the valve element longitudinal axis (L) in order to change the through-flow cross-section, and also comprises a preferably at least substantially tubular support structure (19), in which at least regions of the valve element (14) are accommodated, wherein the support structure (19) consists of multiple shell elements (20, 20') which are arranged one after another around the peripheral wall in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the valve element (14), each having an arched cross-section, and which are placed on the outside of the valve element (14) in a radial direction relative to the valve element longitudinal axis (L).