Adjustable Suction Belt for Paper Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper folding and stacking machines are limited in versatility and productivity due to the need for extensive changes in panel length, which requires significant time and space, and are encumbered by complex structures and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A folding and stacking machine with a pneumatically connected suction belt system that allows for quick adjustment of panel length by shifting the position of suction holes, reducing the number of moving parts and enabling easier maintenance and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional folding rollers with fixed suction holes are used, then the machine structure is simple, but the panel length cannot be changed without replacing the entire roller
Solution Approach 1:
The suction roller is divided into multiple independent suction modules, each with its own suction holes. These modules can be selectively positioned or activated to accommodate different panel lengths without replacing the entire roller, thus enabling adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction holes are made movable or adjustable relative to the roller surface, allowing their position to be dynamically changed according to different panel length requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same roller to adapt to various panel lengths without structural replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple folding rollers with different configurations are used to handle different panel lengths, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single folding roller is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating adjustable suction modules that can be reconfigured for different panel lengths. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated rollers, thereby reducing the machine's footprint and space requirements while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable suction modules are nested within or integrated into the roller structure, allowing them to be compactly stored when not in use. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space occupied by the adaptability mechanisms while preserving the ability to adjust for different panel lengths.
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical clamps are used for holding sheets, then the structure is simple, but the sheet holding reliability is insufficient for high-speed folding
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical clamps are replaced with a pneumatic suction system that uses vacuum pressure to hold the sheets. This substitution provides more reliable and uniform sheet holding capability suitable for high-speed folding operations, while the suction modules can be integrated into the existing roller structure to minimize added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic system is introduced to provide controlled suction force through adjustable suction holes. This pneumatic mechanism offers superior sheet holding reliability compared to mechanical clamps, with the ability to precisely control the suction force and distribution across the sheet surface.
4Productivity
If the suction holes are fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is easy to achieve, but the productivity is reduced due to long setup times for changing panel lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The suction holes are designed to be dynamically adjustable in position along the roller surface. This dynamic positioning capability allows rapid reconfiguration for different panel lengths during production, minimizing setup time and maximizing productivity, while precision guides or scales ensure accurate positioning is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the suction holes is made variable rather than fixed. By enabling continuous or discrete adjustment of the suction hole position, the system can quickly adapt to different panel length requirements without lengthy setup procedures, thereby increasing production speed while maintaining positioning precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
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 machine achieves high versatility and rapid panel length changes, simplifying the structure and reducing production downtime, while maintaining effective suction and adhesion of paper sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a suction belt (45) arranged to move along a closed trajectory (46) comprising said suction portion, said suction belt (45) being configured to air-tightly engage with said suction portion and providing at least one through hole (47) arranged to be positioned at a respective suction groove (43) for causing a suction on said web, or sheet (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying unit (100) of a web, or sheet, of paper, or similar products, arranged to transfer along a transfer direction the web, or sheet, of paper, having a support (41) having a lateral surface (42) provided with at least one peripheral suction groove (43). A suction belt (45) is arranged to move along a closed trajectory (46) comprising the suction portion (44). The suction belt (45) is configured to air-tightly engage the suction portion and provides at least one through hole (47) arranged to be positioned at a respective suction portion (43) in order to cause a suction effect on the web, or sheet, and to transfer it from a first point P1 to a second point P2 of a production line of paper products. It is, furthermore, provided a driving device (60) configured to move the suction belt (45) with respect to the support (41).