Thick Material Pump Movable Tube Section Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thick material pumps experience interruptions in material flow during the transition between delivery cylinders, leading to potential backflow issues when using an additional cylinder to bridge the delivery gap.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switchable closure in the movable tube section between the inlet and additional cylinder to prevent backflow, allowing continuous material flow by maintaining a closed distance between the additional cylinder and delivery cylinders, and using a rotary bearing for independent movement of the tube section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an additional cylinder is used to bridge the delivery gap between delivery cylinders, then continuity of material flow is improved, but backflow of material into delivery cylinders occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A closure element is introduced as an intermediary component between the additional cylinder and the delivery cylinders. This closure element selectively controls the flow path, allowing material to flow from the additional cylinder to the outlet while preventing backflow into the delivery cylinders. The closure element acts as a gatekeeper that maintains the beneficial continuous flow while blocking the harmful backflow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be movable or switchable between different positions (open/closed states). During the transition phase when the additional cylinder is delivering material, the closure element dynamically switches to a closed position to prevent backflow. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its flow characteristics based on the operational phase, maintaining continuity while preventing harmful backflow.
2Productivity
If a closure element is added to prevent backflow, then material flow continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is integrated into the existing movable tube section that already connects the delivery cylinders to the outlet. By combining the closure function with the existing tube section rather than adding a completely separate component, the patent achieves backflow prevention while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity. The closure element becomes part of the already-movable assembly, reducing the need for additional mounting structures and control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thick material pump having a first delivery cylinder, a second delivery cylinder and an additional cylinder. The additional cylinder serves for bridging a transition between the first delivery cylinder and the second delivery cylinder. The thick material pump comprises a movable tube portion which forms a connection between the first delivery cylinder and an outlet of the thick material pump in a first state and which forms a connection between the second delivery cylinder and the outlet of the thick material pump in a second state. The movable tube portion comprises a switchable closure which is arranged between an inlet end of the movable tube portion and the additional cylinder. The thick material pump according to the invention makes it possible for a uniform material flow to be delivered in the direction of the pump outlet.