Separation Device with Open Channel for Grit Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separation devices for product streams are inefficient due to closed systems that are difficult to clean, require manual intervention for grit removal, and may not allow for the reliable reuse of separated components like sugar, leading to disruptions in processing and hygiene issues.

Innovation Solution

A separation device with a separation channel and collecting device that allows for continuous transport and recycling of separated product streams, featuring a rotatable collecting ring and automated drive system to enhance productivity and hygiene, while minimizing manual intervention and ensuring reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If closed systems with tubes are used to transport separated product streams, then the system can contain and direct the flow, but the system becomes difficult to clean and cannot be viewed for monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem containmentVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the separated product stream from closed tubes and directs it through open channels to a collecting device. This allows the system to maintain containment functionality while enabling easy access for cleaning and monitoring, as the channels are openly visible and accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary open channel system between the separation point and the collecting device. This intermediary structure serves as a transition that maintains flow direction while enabling visibility and accessibility, resolving the contradiction between containment and cleanability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If containers are used to collect separated grit, then the grit can be accumulated, but manual intervention is required for monitoring and emptying, causing interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrit accumulationVSAvoidcontinuous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a self-service system where the collecting device automatically receives and accumulates separated product streams through gravity-fed open channels. The system eliminates the need for manual monitoring and emptying by designing the collection process to be continuously accessible and self-regulating, thereby maintaining productivity without interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If separated product streams are transferred into containers, then the grit can be collected, but the system requires manual emptying and replacement, leading to processing interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation functionVSAvoidinterruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention ensures continuity of the separation and collection function by using open channels that allow uninterrupted flow of separated product streams to the collecting device. The system is designed to maintain continuous operation without requiring manual intervention for emptying or replacement, thereby eliminating processing interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Ease of manufacture

If closed tube systems are used for grit removal, then the system can transport material, but the system cannot be viewed or monitored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the transport function from closed tubes and implements it through open channels. This allows the system to maintain material transport capability while enabling visual monitoring and detection, as the channels are openly visible along the entire path from separation to collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2886212B1Separating device for a flow of products and method for same
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 MULTIPOND WAGETECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2886212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2886212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2886212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A separation device according to the invention has a separating means (2) for separating a portion of a product stream and at least one separating trough (11) for transporting the separated product stream. Furthermore, a collecting device (10) is provided, wherein the separating trough (11) is arranged such that the separated product stream can be transferred into the collecting device (10). The collecting device (10) is designed such that the product stream fed from the separating trough (10) into the collecting device (10) can be transported.