Sonic Vibration Device for Preventing Particulate Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Particulate matter adherence to device walls in material processing and handling leads to yield loss, processing failures, and cross-contamination, especially in sensitive industries like food, tobacco, mineral, and pharmaceutical processing, where cleaning is challenging due to safety requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with an outer housing supporting actuator elements that induce sonic vibrations in the ultrasound frequency range, preventing particulate matter adhesion and facilitating its removal by generating acoustic pressure, while ensuring safety through non-contact operation and controlled vibration modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning equipment is introduced into the chamber for removing adhered particulate matter, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety requirements for handling food, tobacco, mineral, chemical and pharmaceutical products are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning equipment with an acoustic field-based cleaning system. Actuators generate sonic vibrations that create acoustic pressure waves within the chamber, causing adhered particulate matter to detach and be removed by gas stream. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cleaning equipment to enter the chamber, thereby maintaining safety requirements for sensitive product handling while achieving effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the cleaning function and the particulate matter. The acoustic pressure waves act as a mediator that transfers energy to the adhered particles, causing them to detach without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach enables cleaning while preserving the integrity and safety requirements of the chamber environment.
2Reliability
If sonic vibrations are induced at higher frequencies (20-30 kHz), then adhesion prevention and removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using sonic vibrations selectively - at higher frequencies (20-30 kHz) during cleaning operations when adhesion removal is needed, and at lower frequencies or reduced intensity during normal processing to prevent excessive energy consumption. The system activates actuators based on operational requirements, providing sufficient acoustic energy only when necessary for adhesion prevention or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between different vibration frequencies and intensities based on processing stages. During material handling, lower frequency vibrations are applied periodically to prevent adhesion. During cleaning cycles, higher frequency sonic vibrations are activated to remove adhered material. This periodic modulation of acoustic energy optimizes energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lower frequencies (11-15 kHz) are used for vibrations, then energy consumption is reduced, but adhesion removal effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency adjustment, allowing the actuator system to operate at different frequencies based on operational requirements. The system can dynamically switch between lower frequencies (11-15 kHz) for energy-efficient adhesion prevention during processing, and higher frequencies for effective adhesion removal during cleaning cycles. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by matching frequency to functional need.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of sonic vibrations based on operational mode. During normal processing, lower frequencies are used to minimize energy consumption while providing sufficient adhesion prevention. During cleaning operations, the frequency parameter is increased to enhance adhesion removal effectiveness. This parameter adjustment strategy allows the system to optimize the balance between energy consumption and cleaning performance.
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
Effectively reduces or prevents particulate matter adherence, avoids cross-contamination, and ensures safe operation by maintaining acoustic pressure levels that do not interfere with normal processing, while allowing for efficient cleaning without physical contact with the processed materials.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator element (18) engaging the housing (11) at an outer wall (16) thereof and arranged for inducing sonic vibrations in the housing (11) and the chamber (12)
Implementation Method 2
by subjecting the housing to sonic vibrations, that is vibrations in the ultrasound frequency range from 20 kHz and upwards, such as vibrations in a frequency range of 20 - 30 kHz, an acoustic pressure is provided in the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (30) comprising a housing (31) enclosing a chamber surrounded by an inner wall of the housing, arranged for introducing particulate matter in the chamber. The device having an external support structure (14) supporting at least one actuator element (18) arranged for inducing sonic vibrations in the housing and the chamber, thereby providing at least one of impeding adherence of particulate matter at the inner wall of the chamber and releasing particulate matter adhered to the inner wall of the chamber. And a method of operating the device as well as an installation comprise at least one such device.