Twisted Extruder Feed Path Vibrator for Pellet Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In extrusion processes, polymeric pellets often bridge and interlock, restricting flow in feed assemblies, requiring manual intervention and existing solutions like vibration can exacerbate the issue or be impractical due to complexity or space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A feed path vibrator with an elongate imparting portion, twisted along its length, is integrated into the extruder feed path to apply vibrational energy, reducing bridging by scattering energy and preventing pellet interlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vibrator is coupled to the feed assembly to vibrate the tubular passageway, then pellet flow is improved, but pellets become tightly compacted and interlocked in the bridging zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through an elongate imparting portion with twisted portions that vibrate pellets in the feed path. This vibration prevents pellets from bridging and interlocking by disrupting their ability to form stable structures, thereby maintaining reliable flow without causing compaction issues
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted portions of the imparting portion introduce curvature and rotational motion to the vibration. This curved/rotational vibration pattern is more effective at preventing pellet interlocking compared to linear vibration, as it disrupts pellet arrangement in multiple directions
2Reliability
If a cylindrical rod connected to external vibration source is mounted within the feed assembly, then pellet bridging is prevented, but pellets are compacted and interlocked between the rod and internal walls
Solution Approach 1:
The imparting portion is segmented into multiple twisted portions along its length. This segmentation allows vibration to be applied at multiple locations simultaneously, preventing pellet interlocking throughout the feed path without creating localized compaction zones that a single rod would cause
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted portions create a curved vibration pattern that moves through the feed path in a rotational manner. This curved motion prevents pellets from being trapped between the vibrator and feed path walls, eliminating the compaction problem associated with straight cylindrical rods
3Reliability
If a linear actuator is mounted within the feed assembly to stab at pellets, then pellet interlocking is prevented, but the device is only practical in locations with sufficient space and may cause upstream blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate imparting portion serves multiple functions: it vibrates pellets to prevent bridging, its twisted portions create rotational motion to disrupt interlocking, and its slender design allows installation in various feed path locations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators and reduces installation constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The imparting portion has a slender, flexible-like design that can be inserted into confined spaces within the feed path. Its thin profile allows it to fit in locations where linear actuators cannot be mounted, while still effectively contacting and vibrating pellets throughout the feed path
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 solution effectively prevents pellet bridging and flow restrictions, enhancing operational reliability by automatically addressing interlocking issues without the need for manual intervention and accommodating various extruder configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a feed path vibrator having an elongate imparting portion for being disposed within the feed path of the extruder, and a transfer portion extending from the imparting portion. The transfer portion is configured for coupling to a source of vibration energy
Data Source
AI summary
A device for imparting vibrational energy to polymeric pellets in a feed path of an extruder is disclosed. The device includes a feed path vibrator having an elongate imparting portion for being disposed within the feed path of the extruder, and a transfer portion extending from the imparting portion. The transfer portion is configured for coupling to a source of vibration energy, and the elongate imparting portion includes at least one twisted portion along its length.