Step Densifier Feeding Mechanism for Low-Density Fiber Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in transporting and feeding low bulk density materials, particularly organic fibers, due to issues such as bridging and lack of suitable compaction methods, which lead to inefficient and equipment-demanding processes.
Innovation Solution
A feeding apparatus with two rotating axes having radial feeding members that apply uniform force to the material, preventing dead areas and clogging, and optionally incorporating tapered walls for compression, ensuring efficient and controlled material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If gravity is relied upon to transport low bulk density materials in vertical sections, then equipment complexity is reduced, but material transport efficiency deteriorates because the material doesn't fall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based passive transport with an active mechanical feeding system consisting of a feeding screw and feeding chamber. The feeding screw mechanically pushes the material through the feeding space, ensuring reliable transport of low bulk density materials that cannot be moved by gravity alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum feeder that uses vacuum pressure to suction low bulk density materials into the feeding system. This pneumatic approach enables efficient material intake without relying on gravity, particularly effective for materials with low bulk density.
2Ease of operation
If feeding equipment is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but bridging occurs causing material flow to be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feeding system into distinct functional components: a feeding chamber with flexible walls, a feeding screw, and a vacuum feeder. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to prevent bridging and ensure continuous material flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feeding chamber with flexible walls that can change volume and pressure parameters. The chamber expands to receive material via vacuum suction and then compresses as the feeding screw pushes material forward, dynamically adjusting parameters to prevent bridging and maintain flow.
3Loss of time
If organic material is fed directly into the compounding machine, then processing time is reduced, but bulk density is insufficient leading to poor mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary compaction of the organic material within the feeding chamber before it enters the compounding machine. The feeding screw compresses the low bulk density material during the feeding process, pre-densifying it so that it mixes properly in the extruder without requiring additional compaction time.
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 apparatus effectively feeds low bulk density materials, including organic fibers, by uniformly pushing them forward while preventing clogging and compressing them, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective process.
Implementation Method 1
One available method is by means of a vacuum feeder wherein vacuum is utilized to 'suck' the material forward in a feeding system.
Implementation Method 2
Another method is by means of a feeding screw/screw conveyor.
Implementation Method 3
Some solutions, especially suitable for powder materials, comprise feeding chambers with flexible walls, squeezing the material forward.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A feeding apparatus (10) for feeding a material, comprising a feeding space (11), comprising an inlet (12) and an outlet defining a feeding direction of the material therebetween, and a first feeding arrangement (14) and a second feeding arrangement (15) arranged substantially parallel in the feeding space in a direction of a first axis perpendicular to the feeding direction. Each comprises a rotation shaft, extending through the feeding space along the first axis (X) a plurality of feeding members arranged on the rotation shaft, each feeding member comprising a portion extending radially from the rotation shaft. The feeding members of the first feeding arrangement and the feeding members of the second feeding arrangement are arranged on the respective rotation shaft in alternating positions along the first axis such that, during rotation of the first feeding arrangement and the second feeding arrangement in the feeding space, a feeding member of the first feeding arrangement is arranged to pass adjacent a feeding member of the second feeding arrangement.