Vibratory Apparatus Flow Restrictor for Portable Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibratory systems for compacting, settling, and dispensing contents from containers are limited by the need for a plant pressurized air source, making them unusable when the vehicle is not near a facility with such a source.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory apparatus that is sealingly engaged to a container and pneumatically powered by a pressure source attached to the vehicle, featuring a flow restrictor to limit airflow to the vibrator, allowing operation with a portable air source, such as a semi tractor-trailer compressor, ensuring consistent vibration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plant pressurized air source is used to power the vibrator, then the vibrator can operate with sufficient airflow, but the system becomes unusable when the vehicle is not near a facility with such a source
Solution Approach 1:
A flow restrictor is introduced as an intermediary component in the air supply system. This flow restrictor limits and regulates the airflow from the vehicle's portable air source to match the requirements of the vibrator, enabling reliable operation with portable sources while maintaining consistent vibration performance across different locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable air source with limited volumetric airflow is used, then the system can operate anywhere, but the airflow is insufficient to power the vibrator effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor modifies the airflow parameters (volumetric flow rate and pressure distribution) to optimize the delivery of limited air from portable sources. By controlling and regulating these parameters, the system maintains effective vibration power despite using lower-capacity air sources, enabling mobility without sacrificing performance
3Productivity
If unrestricted airflow is provided to the vibrator, then the vibrator operates at optimal performance, but the air source requirements become too stringent for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor serves as a simple intermediary device that bridges the gap between portable air sources and vibrator requirements. This single component regulates airflow to maintain optimal vibrator performance for efficient unloading, while adding minimal complexity to the air supply system and enabling portable operation
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 efficient compacting, settling, and dispensing of contents regardless of the location's proximity to a plant pressurized air source, by controlling airflow to maintain optimal vibration frequency and pressure, thus reducing unloading time and increasing vehicle utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum generator attached to the base and adapted to create a vacuum seal between the base and a container to be vibrated
Implementation Method 2
a flow restrictor is disposed between the pressure source and the vibrator to allow a predetermined, non-adjustable volume of airflow through the conduit into the vibrator
Implementation Method 3
a pneumatic vibrator attached to the base and adapted to vibrate the base and any attached container
Data Source
AI summary
A vibratory apparatus for attachment to a container adapted to utilized pressurized air from a portable pressure source, which apparatus includes a base and a vacuum generator connectable to a pressure source, wherein the vacuum generator is attached to the base and adapted to create a vacuum between the base and a container. The apparatus further includes a vibrator attached to the base and adapted to vibrate the base and any attached container and a conduit connectable to the vibrator at a first end and a pressure source at a second, opposite end. The conduit has a passage extending therethrough and a flow restrictor is disposed between the pressure source and the vibrator to allow a predetermined, non-adjustable volume of airflow through the conduit into the vibrator in a first direction of flow.