Adjustable Suction Roller for Flexible Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction-type rollers in roll-to-roll processing devices have fixed suction positions, limiting their application and potentially damaging flexible substrates due to non-adjustable suction points.
Innovation Solution
A suction-type transmission apparatus with a suction region allocation member and a suction wheel member featuring a rotating shaft, inner lining body with gas flow channels, and an outer ring sleeve with micro-pores, allowing for adjustable suction regions through the use of sealing elements to control gas flow and suction angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a suction-type transmission roller with fixed suction position is used, then the substrate can be held during transmission, but the suction position cannot be adjusted to accommodate different processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The suction roller incorporates a rotatable inner lining body that can rotate relative to the outer ring sleeve, transforming the fixed suction position into a dynamically adjustable one. The rotation angle of the inner lining body controls which gas flow channels are exposed through the micro-pores, thereby adjusting the suction position according to different substrate processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The suction roller is divided into multiple functional segments: the outer ring sleeve with micro-pores, the inner lining body with multiple gas flow channels, and the rotating shaft. Each segment can be independently designed and adjusted, allowing flexible configuration of suction positions without redesigning the entire roller structure
2Reliability
If normal rollers are used to transport flexible substrate, then the substrate can be transported, but the surface of the substrate may be contaminated or damaged due to normal force applied by the rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic suction force generated by negative pressure in the gas flow channels to hold and transport the substrate. This replaces the mechanical normal force from contact rollers with a distributed suction force that holds the substrate without direct pressing contact, preventing surface contamination and damage while ensuring stable handling
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suction-type transmission rollers with different fixed suction positions are used, then different substrate requirements can be met, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single suction roller with a rotatable inner lining body can provide multiple suction positions by rotating to different angles, replacing the need for multiple separate suction rollers. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers costs while maintaining the ability to meet different substrate processing requirements
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 flexible and adjustable suction for substrates, preventing damage and ensuring stable handling of substrates during processing, while maintaining effective suction performance and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction-type transmission roller is used to replace the normal force with a holding force
Data Source
AI summary
A suction-type transmission apparatus includes at least one suction region allocation member and a suction wheel member. The suction region allocation member has a chamber and through holes communicating with the chamber. The suction wheel member is pivoted to the suction region allocation member, and includes an inner lining body with gas flow channels disposed in parallel, and an outer ring sleeve. The inner lining body has gas holes corresponding to the through holes and being in communication with the gas flow channels. The outer ring sleeve with micro-pores in communication with the gas flow channels is sleeved on the inner lining body, and wraps the gas flow channels. The chamber is connected to a gas extraction port, and at least one sealing element is selectively disposed in the chamber to seal at least one of the through holes for forming a suction region of the suction wheel member.