Separator Member with Diamond Passageways for Clumped Material Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material handling systems face challenges in separating clumped materials during transfer, particularly in piping systems, as prior solutions are not retrofittable and often require complex mechanical structures, leading to blockages and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A material separation device with a separator member having multiple passageways and a material exit portion, attachable within an existing material handling system, which contacts clumped material to break it apart and ensure smooth flow through the system, utilizing a cone or dome shape with diamond-patterned passageways for effective separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art separation devices are used, then material separation is achieved, but the devices are not retrofittable in existing piping systems and require complex mechanical structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial separation effectivenessVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator member is divided into multiple segments or sections with different passageway configurations, allowing it to break down complex separation tasks into simpler stages while maintaining overall effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separator member incorporates a porous structure with numerous passageways that allow material to pass through while separating clumps, replacing complex mechanical separation mechanisms with a simpler porous filtration approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If prior art separation devices are used, then material separation is achieved, but they cannot be installed in existing transfer pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial separation effectivenessVSAvoidretrofit capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The separator member is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that can be installed in various pipe sizes and configurations, allowing it to serve multiple installation scenarios and existing piping systems without requiring custom designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator member is designed to nest within the existing pipe structure, with the attachment mechanism allowing it to be positioned inside the pipe without requiring pipe replacement or major system modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If vacuum transfer is used, then material is pulled through pipes, but fixtures and elbows cause particles to impact and clump together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial clumping

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separator member extracts or removes clumped material from the flow stream by providing alternative passageways that bypass the clumps, preventing them from accumulating and blocking the pipeline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator member acts as an intermediary element between the vacuum source and the material flow, mediating the interaction by providing a structured path that reduces direct impact of material against pipe fixtures and elbows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7510084B2Material separation device and method

Publication Date: 2009.03.31 BISHOP CAIRN L

AI summary

A material separation device for use in an internal area of a material handling system. The separation device includes a separator member with a body with a plurality of material passageways extending therethrough. The separator member includes a material exit portion. The device also includes an attachment mechanism for securely attaching the separator member within the internal area of the material handling system. A method of manufacturing a material separation device is also disclosed.