Solids Discharge Module With Fill Detection to Prevent Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing mixed fluids, such as comminution devices, face challenges in efficiently and reliably removing solid components that accumulate during the processing of mixed fluids, which can lead to clogging and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A solids dispensing module with a solids inlet, coupling means, a solids outlet, and a fill level detector that allows for the detection of solid accumulation, featuring a conveying mechanism and a closing body that can be moved between release and blocking positions, ensuring solids automatically slide or fall out, minimizing the risk of blockages. The module includes a probe for detecting fill levels and an electronic control unit for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solids are allowed to accumulate in the discharge chamber, then the device can operate continuously without interruption, but the risk of clogging increases and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge module enables automatic solids removal through the fill level detector and conveying means, allowing the system to self-regulate without manual intervention. The closing body automatically opens when the fill level detector signals sufficient accumulation, and the conveying means automatically conveys solids to the outlet, creating a self-service mechanism that maintains continuous operation while preventing clogging.
2Reliability
If manual removal of solids is implemented, then the risk of clogging is reduced, but operational efficiency decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with an automated system comprising a fill level detector (sensory component) and a conveying means actuated by a closing body (actuation component). This substitution of manual operation with an automated control system eliminates operational interruptions while maintaining effective clogging prevention through continuous monitoring and automatic solids conveyance.
3Ease of operation
If a closing body is added to control solids discharge, then solids accumulation can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing body serves as an intermediary component between the fill level detector and the solids discharge process. It acts as a controlled gate that mediates the flow of solids, opening only when the detector signals appropriate accumulation levels. This intermediary mechanism provides precise control over solids discharge timing and rate while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through its straightforward gate valve design.
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 module enables efficient and automated removal of solid components from mixed fluid devices, reducing the risk of clogging and maintaining operational efficiency without interrupting the device's operation, while allowing for precise assessment of solid accumulation levels.
Implementation Method 1
the fill level detector is designed as a probe having a probe body for insertion into the conveying chamber. Manual or, preferably, automated insertion of the probe body into the conveying chamber checks whether the probe body can, for example, penetrate into the conveying chamber to a maximum penetration depth, or whether it encounters an obstacle before reaching the maximum penetration depth.
Implementation Method 2
the discharge module comprises a conveying means arranged in the conveying chamber and configured to convey solids supplied to the solids inlet to the solids outlet
Implementation Method 3
the conveying chamber extends directly upstream of the outlet at an incline to the horizontal, particularly vertically. Due to the inclined alignment of the conveying chamber to the horizontal, the accumulated solids slide or fall out automatically after the closing body is moved into the release position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a solids discharge module (1) for discharging solids out of devices (100) which conduct mixed fluids, in particular comminuting devices for the solid content in a mixed fluid, comprising a solids inlet (3), a coupling means (31) for connecting the solids inlet (3) to a device (100) which conducts a mixed fluid, a solids outlet (5), a closing element (9) which is arranged on the solids outlet (5) and which can be moved back and forth between a release position and a locking position, and a conveyor chamber (7) which extends from the solids inlet (3) to the solids outlet (5). According to the invention, a fill state detector (13) is provided which is designed to detect and display the accumulation of solids in the conveyor chamber (7).