Vacuum Chip Discharge Pipe Geometry for Continuous Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chip extraction systems require shutdown to replace filters or containers, and the suction effect collapses if chips are removed during operation, leading to inefficient and interrupted chip disposal.

Innovation Solution

A continuous chip extraction system with a vacuum chamber and a chip discharge pipe having an increasing internal cross-sectional area, combined with a chip pushing device, allows for continuous chip disposal without shutting down the system, as chips are collected and transported out without disrupting the vacuum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If chips are collected in a bin using vacuum suction, then chip collection is effective, but the system must be shut down to replace the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip collection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem downtime for container replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous chip disposal by maintaining the vacuum suction system in operation while chips are automatically pushed from the collection bin through a discharge pipe to an external location. The chip pushing device operates periodically to move accumulated chips without requiring system shutdown, enabling uninterrupted production while efficiently removing chips from the work area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a self-service mechanism where the chip pushing device automatically transports chips from the collection bin to the discharge outlet without human intervention. The increasing cross-sectional area of the discharge pipe facilitates automatic chip movement through pressure differential and gravity, reducing the need for manual container replacement and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If chips are removed from the vacuum area during operation, then chip disposal is possible, but the vacuum collapses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip removal capabilityVSAvoidvacuum stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts chips from the vacuum chamber through a sealed discharge pipe system. The chip pushing device moves chips through a pipe that connects the vacuum chamber to the external environment, allowing chip removal while maintaining the vacuum seal. The increasing cross-sectional area of the discharge pipe prevents vacuum collapse by providing a controlled extraction path that doesn't compromise the vacuum integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge pipe acts as an intermediary between the vacuum chamber and the external environment. By designing the pipe with increasing cross-sectional area, the system mediates chip removal while maintaining vacuum stability - the pipe structure allows chip passage without creating leaks that would collapse the vacuum, enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a chip discharge pipe with constant diameter is used, then the structure is simple, but chips can be sucked back into the vacuum space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge pipe structureVSAvoidchip back-suction prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetric discharge pipe design where the internal cross-sectional area increases from the inlet to the outlet. This asymmetric geometry prevents chip back-suction by creating a pressure gradient and physical configuration that allows chips to move outward but prevents them from being drawn back into the vacuum chamber, enhancing system reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge pipe transitions from a constant diameter (one-dimensional uniformity) to a varying diameter (introducing dimensional change along the pipe length). This dimensional variation in the pipe's cross-sectional area creates a pressure differential and flow direction control that prevents chip back-suction, adding a functional dimension to the pipe design that solves the reliability issue.

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

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

Enables uninterrupted chip disposal by maintaining stable negative pressure and preventing chips from being sucked back into the vacuum space, ensuring continuous operation and efficient chip removal without the need for frequent system shutdowns.

Implementation Method 1

a suction effect comes about as a result of the generation of a negative pressure and the sawdust is then sucked into the region of the negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

an inner cross-sectional area of the chip discharge pipe increases between the inlet and the outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3436202B1Chip extraction system
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 RATTUNDE
  • EP3436202B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3436202B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a chip extraction system for the continuous disposal of chips, comprising a chip extracting tube (9), which opens out into a vacuum chamber (2) with a base on which chips (12) that are sucked in collect, a chip discharging tube (17), which has an inlet (16) arranged on the base and an outlet (18) arranged outside the vacuum chamber (2), wherein an inner cross-sectional area of the chip discharging tube (17) increases between the inlet (16) and the outlet (18), and at least one chip forcing device (14, 19), which is arranged at the inlet (16) and forces the chips (12) that have collected on the base into the inlet (16).