Sludge Scraper Sealing via Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sludge scraping apparatus using a water cylinder driving method faces issues with durability due to sludge accumulation, where the bellows used to prevent sludge entry can engage with the rod, leading to sealing problems and early wear, and the rod may bend, compromising the sealing property.
Innovation Solution
A sludge scraping apparatus with a guide rail, traction core member, piston, cylindrical body with sealing connection parts, and treatment parts that prevent sludge entry by fluid injection/discharge, allowing the body to move along the traction core member, switching between scraping and non-scraping positions, and featuring stoppers to restrict the traction core member's movement and prevent buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bellows is provided at the tip of the cylinder to block sludge, then sludge entry is prevented, but the bellows engages with sludge and cannot expand/contract straight, causing rubbing against the rod and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a bellows to block sludge at the cylinder tip, the patent extends the rod through the cylinder body and uses a separate sealing mechanism (sealing ring) that does not engage with sludge, thereby eliminating the durability problem while maintaining sludge blocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the rod and the cylinder interior. This sealing ring performs the sludge blocking function without the mechanical engagement issues of a bellows, as it remains stationary or moves minimally while the rod passes through it.
2Ease of operation
If the rod extends long from the cylinder forward, then the scraping function is achieved, but the rod bends due to lack of support, compromising sealing property
Solution Approach 1:
The long rod structure is segmented by introducing support elements (such as guide rails or intermediate supports) at specific intervals along the rod's length. This segmentation provides structural support to prevent bending while maintaining the overall long-reach scraping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support system is replaced or supplemented with a guide rail system that constrains the rod's movement path. This substitution provides continuous support along the rod's length, preventing bending without requiring frequent mechanical bracing.
3Productivity
If the rod is drawn into the cylinder during advancement, then the scraping motion is achieved, but sludge is drawn together, damaging the gasket or rod, or introducing sludge into the water circulation path
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of drawing the rod into the cylinder during advancement, the system is inverted so that the rod remains extended or is pushed outward during the scraping stroke. This inversion prevents sludge from being drawn into the cylinder interior while maintaining effective scraping contact with the bottom surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sludge accumulation problem is converted into a benefit by designing the cylinder tip to actively push sludge forward rather than allowing it to be drawn in. The same motion that previously caused harm (rod movement) is used to beneficially discharge sludge from the system.
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 improves the sealing property by preventing sludge entry into the driving cylinder, reducing wear, and ensuring smooth movement, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of the sludge scraping process.
Implementation Method 1
the body can be moved along the traction core member in an advancing and retreating direction by injection/discharge of fluid into/from the driving cylinder by a fluid control means
Implementation Method 2
the treatment part is provided with a treatment space, and at movement of the body, injection/discharge of fluid into/from the treatment space is performed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sludge scraping apparatus which includes a piston attached to a traction core member, a body formed of a driving cylinder provided with front and rear sealing connection parts, a sludge scraper attached to the body, position switching means that switches the sludge scraper to a scraping position at advancement of the body and switches the sludge scraper to a non-scraping position at retreat of the body, and a treatment part attached in front of the driving cylinder and has a treatment chamber therein, the extending part of the traction core member passing through the treatment chamber, and the body can be moved along the traction core member in an advancing and retreating direction by injection/discharge of water into/from the driving cylinder by fluid control means, and at movement of the body, injection/discharge of water into/from the treatment chamber is performed.