Separating device, treatment installation and method for treating workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separating devices in treatment installations, such as those used in vehicle body coating and drying processes, face challenges in minimizing fluid exchange between spatial regions while maintaining energy efficiency, often leading to condensate formation and high energy consumption due to solvent release and thermal pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
A separating device with guide devices and a movable baffle element is introduced to optimize fluid separation, using fresh and circulating air to create a separating fluid curtain, with the baffle element selectively adjusting the opening cross-section and a recirculation system to minimize solvent contamination and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical component is introduced to close the opening cross-section of the lock, then the separation effect between spatial regions is improved, but condensate formation occurs due to flow guidance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the baffle element movable rather than fixed. The baffle element can be selectively introduced into or removed from the connecting region, allowing it to adapt its position dynamically. This movement capability enables the system to optimize flow guidance while maintaining separation effectiveness, preventing condensate formation by adjusting the baffle position according to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the opening cross-section of the connecting region through the movable baffle element. By changing the geometric parameter (opening cross-section) dynamically, the system optimizes fluid flow characteristics, preventing condensate formation while maintaining effective separation between spatial regions.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If heated fresh air is supplied to the lock to maintain temperature, then the energy efficiency is improved, but solvent-loaded air contamination increases requiring thermal cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the source of solvent contamination from the fresh air supply to the lock. By selectively closing the connecting region with the movable baffle element, the system extracts or isolates the solvent-loaded air from mixing with the heated fresh air, preventing contamination while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable baffle element acts as an intermediary between the treatment space and the lock. It controls the interface between these two regions, allowing the system to maintain thermal efficiency by supplying heated fresh air to the lock while preventing solvent-loaded air from the treatment space from contaminating this fresh air.
3Reliability
If the opening cross-section of the connecting region is reduced to minimize fluid exchange, then the separation effectiveness is improved, but workpiece conveying capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the baffle element movable, allowing the opening cross-section to be dynamically adjusted. The baffle element can be introduced to reduce the opening for effective separation, and removed when workpiece conveying is required, thus resolving the contradiction between separation effectiveness and conveying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the selective introduction and removal of the movable baffle element. The baffle is periodically positioned to close the opening cross-section when separation is needed, and periodically removed when workpiece conveying is needed, creating a cyclic operation that satisfies both separation effectiveness and productivity requirements.
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 reduces fluid exchange and energy consumption by optimizing the flow of separating fluids, preventing solvent contamination, and maintaining efficient separation between spatial regions, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reducing condensate formation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more guide devices by means of which at least one separating fluid can be introduced into a connecting region arranged or formed between the two spatial regions
Implementation Method 2
a movable baffle element, which can be selectively introduced into or removed from the connecting region in order to selectively reduce or increase an opening cross-section of the connecting region
Implementation Method 3
a recirculation system to minimize solvent contamination and energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a separating device for a workpiece treatment installation, which can be operated cost-effectively and enables an efficient separating effect, it is proposed that the separating device comprises one or more guide devices by means of which at least one separating fluid can be introduced into a connecting region arranged or formed between two spatial regions.