Stepped Surface Separation Module for Overspray

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overspray separation devices in coating systems, such as painting systems, are inefficient in uniformly loading and separating overspray from air flows, leading to suboptimal separation performance and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A separating module with a stepped surface structure featuring horizontal and vertical surfaces, including channels with progressive chamber structures, allows for uniform loading and separation of overspray, enhancing separation efficiency and service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional flat separation surfaces are used, then the device structure is simple, but the loading is non-uniform leading to reduced separation performance and service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidsurface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation surface is segmented into multiple stepped levels, each creating distinct flow zones. This segmentation allows the raw gas stream to be distributed more uniformly across the separation surfaces, preventing localized overload and extending service life while maintaining separation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional stepped structure. This dimensional change creates vertical flow paths and multiple separation stages within the same footprint, achieving uniform loading distribution without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional flat separation surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple, but loading uniformity is poor reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidsurface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stepped surface structure is segmented into modular sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the uniform loading distribution necessary for extended service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If the separation module handles high overspray load, then separation capacity is sufficient, but flow resistance increases reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverspray separation capacityVSAvoidflow resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is segmented into multiple stages across the stepped levels. Each stage handles a portion of the overspray load, distributing the separation capacity across the structure. This segmentation maintains high overall separation capacity while preventing excessive flow resistance by avoiding concentration of all separation activity in a single zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 stepped surface structure ensures uniform loading and separation performance, achieving excellent separation efficiency and extended service life by managing flow resistance and turbulence within the module.

Implementation Method 1

The stepped surface structure ensures uniform loading and separation performance, achieving excellent separation efficiency and extended service life by managing flow resistance and turbulence within the module.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

The stepped surface structure ensures uniform loading and separation performance, achieving excellent separation efficiency and extended service life by managing flow resistance and turbulence within the module.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3523009B1Separation module for separating overspray
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NEUMANN JENS
  • EP3523009B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3523009B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3523009B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is a device – separation module – (10) for separating overspray, having a stepped surface structure, wherein, in the stepped surface structure, each step has a horizontal face (22) and wherein at least one vertical face (24) adjoins each of the horizontal faces (22), wherein a vertical face (24) between two horizontal faces (22) has at least one opening for admitting an untreated gas stream, loaded with overspray, into the interior of the separation module (10), wherein inside the separation module (10), below individual horizontal faces (22) and adjoining a vertical face (24) which has at least one opening, there are vertical channels (26), and wherein at least individual channels (26) comprise a plurality of chambers separated by partitions (30) with a progressive structure; and a use of such a separation module (10), for example in a device for separating overspray.