Vacuum Loader Airflow Inlet as Load-Bearing Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum loader systems are costly due to the use of conventional piping and tubing, which also complicates routing and arrangement, and often require separate housing for safety filters, increasing complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum loader system design that incorporates a load-bearing support structure with co-located primary and secondary filters, where the secondary filter is centered within the filter chamber, eliminating the need for a separate housing and simplifying airflow pathways by using the support structure as both an inlet and outlet, thereby reducing construction costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional piping and tubing are used to construct the airflow pathway, then the system can be assembled, but the overall cost increases and routing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the airflow pathway construction with the support structure by integrating channels directly into the support structure members. This merging eliminates the need for separate conventional piping and tubing, reducing both cost and routing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure members serve dual functions: providing structural support for the system and simultaneously acting as airflow pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system design.
2Reliability
If separate housing is used for safety filters, then the filters are protected, but the system complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety filter housing with the existing support structure, eliminating the need for separate protective housings. The support structure members themselves provide the necessary protection and structural framework for the filter elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure members perform multiple functions including structural support, airflow pathway, and filter housing protection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional piping is used, then the system can be constructed, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow pathways are merged with the support structure members, eliminating the need for separate conventional piping systems. This integration reduces material costs and simplifies construction while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the piping function from the support structure design and eliminates it entirely by incorporating airflow channels directly into the support structure members, removing the need for separate piping components.
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
This design reduces system costs and simplifies airflow management by integrating filters and support structures, ensuring efficient material collection and filtration while protecting the blower from damage, and allows for easier system assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a fan or blower creates suction to draw air with entrained material into an inlet
Implementation Method 2
The filter chamber is supported by the support structure and includes a plurality of primary filter elements arranged around the filter chamber such that air entering the filter chamber passes through the primary filter elements
Implementation Method 3
At least one secondary filter elements is essentially surrounded by the plurality of primary filter elements such that air passes through the at least one secondary filter element after it has passed through the plurality of primary filter elements
Implementation Method 4
material entrained in air drawn into the inlet opening will be at least substantially deposited in the hopper before the air enters the filter chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum loader system is disclosed. In the vacuum loader system, the air inlet comprises a load-bearing member of a support structure that supports the system. The vacuum loader system also includes a filter chamber with co-located primary and secondary or safety filter elements. A safety filter element is at the center of the filter chamber, surrounded by primary filter elements. After the air flows through the primary and safety filter elements, it is directed downwardly, out of the filter chamber and back toward the blower, beyond which it is ultimately expelled through a silenced outlet. In some embodiments, the conduit that carries air from the filter chamber toward the blower may also be a member of the support structure.