Telescopic Suction Lance for Barrel Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emptying devices for containers, such as barrels, require significant user effort due to the length and weight of metal suction lances and pose risks of contamination when handling hazardous or purity-sensitive products.
Innovation Solution
An emptying device with an insulation device and a flexible conveying line that allows users to operate within a contamination-free environment, using a telescopic suction pipe and inflatable seals to connect and remove products without direct contact, and a pneumatic conveying system for efficient product removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If metal suction lances of certain length are used to empty barrels, then the suction lances can reach the product in the barrel, but the suction lances become heavy and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The suction lance is divided into multiple sections that can be extended or retracted. The telescopic design allows the suction lance to be shortened when not in use, reducing handling weight and effort, while still maintaining the necessary length to reach the product in the barrel when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction lance transitions from a static, fixed-length metal tube to a dynamic, telescopic structure that can adjust its length. This dynamic design allows the suction lance to adapt between a compact state for easy handling and an extended state for reaching the product, resolving the contradiction between length and weight.
2Ease of operation
If users directly handle the suction lances and operate inside the container area, then operation is straightforward, but users risk contamination from hazardous or purity-sensitive products
Solution Approach 1:
A protective barrier or isolator is introduced between the user and the product. This intermediary structure allows users to operate the emptying device without direct contact with the product, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating contamination risk. The barrier may include sealed compartments, gloves, or protective enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual direct handling of the suction lance is replaced with automated or remotely operated mechanisms. The system uses pneumatic or electric actuators to control the suction lance movement and product transfer, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated control systems that eliminate direct user exposure to hazardous materials.
3Strength
If rigid metal suction lances are used for structural strength, then the lances can withstand suction forces, but the lances are difficult to move and position
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid metal suction lance is replaced with a flexible hose or tube that can bend and flex. This flexible structure maintains sufficient strength to withstand suction forces while allowing easy movement and positioning. The flexible material can conform to various angles and positions, greatly improving maneuverability compared to rigid metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction lance is constructed from composite materials that combine the strength properties of rigid materials with the flexibility of softer materials. This composite structure allows the suction lance to maintain structural integrity under suction pressure while possessing the flexibility to be easily moved and positioned, resolving the contradiction between strength and maneuverability.
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
Reduces user effort and risk of contamination by allowing all moving parts to be within the insulation device, enabling safe and efficient emptying of containers with hazardous or purity-sensitive contents.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic conveying device is connected to the corresponding suction lance, which sucks off the product present in the barrel.
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable seal is provided. The indentations and/or the inflatable seal serve to fasten a foil sack surrounding the product in the container to be emptied
Data Source
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AI summary
An emptying device for emptying a container, in particular a barrel, containing a product. The emptying device including an insulation device, which defines an internal space and allows operations of a user in the internal space without a risk of contamination for the user; a container connection device for connecting the container to the insulation device such that there is no risk of contamination for the user by means of the product; and a conveyor pipe line arranged in the internal space, wherein the conveyor pipe line has a connector end which is attached to a pipe connection arranged in the internal space for guiding the product out of the insulation device and which can be moved for emptying the container such that a conveyor end of the conveyor pipe line is located in the container if the container is connected.