Separating Device for Conveying Systems with Fluidic Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively minimize fluid exchange between adjacent spaces in treatment plants, such as painting and drying plants, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption due to undesired air currents.
Innovation Solution
A separating device comprising a nozzle device and a moveable cover element, which creates a fluidic separation by producing an air curtain and reducing the cross-sectional area of connecting openings, thereby minimizing fluid exchange and reducing susceptibility to failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gate solution is used to close the connecting opening, then fluid exchange between adjacent spaces is minimized, but the device complexity increases and susceptibility to failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the closing function from a complex gate mechanism and implements it simply by moving a cover element laterally to cover or uncover the connecting opening. This lateral movement mechanism is much simpler than conventional gate solutions, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical gate systems with a simplified lateral movement mechanism of a cover element. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and susceptibility to failure while achieving the same fluid separation function.
2Productivity
If the connecting opening is fully open to allow object passage, then productivity is improved, but fluid exchange between adjacent spaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions. It can be laterally shifted to fully open the connecting opening for efficient object passage, then moved to cover the opening to minimize fluid exchange. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between productivity and energy conservation based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element operates periodically, alternating between open and closed positions. During object conveyance, it remains open to maximize productivity; during idle periods, it closes to minimize energy loss from fluid exchange. This periodic action pattern optimizes both productivity and energy efficiency over time.
3Loss of energy
If the connecting opening is reduced in cross-sectional area to minimize fluid exchange, then energy loss is reduced, but object passage capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting opening's cross-sectional area is dynamically adjustable through lateral movement of the cover element. When full object passage is needed, the cover element moves laterally to provide a large open area. When object passage is not required, the cover element shifts to reduce the opening's cross-sectional area, minimizing fluid exchange and energy loss. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and passage capability.
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 device efficiently separates adjacent spaces, reducing air exchange and energy consumption by optimizing fluidic separation and minimizing the risk of fluid leakage, while ensuring the device's reliability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
An air curtain is preferably producible by means of the nozzle device
Data Source
AI summary
In order to create a conveying system which is of simple construction and enables an efficient conveyance of objects, it is proposed that the conveying system comprises a first conveying device and a second conveying device, wherein the objects are able to be taken over from the first conveying device and/or are transferrable to the first conveying device by means of the second conveying device.