Air Knife Angle Adjusting Apparatus for Plated Steel Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air knife systems face difficulties in smoothly adjusting and accurately measuring the vertical angle due to narrow mounting positions and interference with surrounding equipment, leading to reduced production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An air knife system with a rotating mechanism and angle measurement apparatus, including a screw shaft, power transmission unit, and scale indicators, allows for precise adjustment and measurement of the air knife's vertical angle by rotating the gas supply pipes and using gear mechanisms and elastic members for accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the air knife mounting position is narrow and surrounded by equipment, then the space available for adjustment is limited, but smooth angle adjustment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustment smoothnessVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The angle adjusting apparatus is integrated within the existing mounting structure. The screw shaft, moving body, and angle adjusting lever are nested within the bracket assembly, allowing smooth angle adjustment without requiring additional external space. The mechanism fits within the narrow mounting area while maintaining full adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The angle adjusting apparatus uses a dynamic screw mechanism that converts rotational motion of the screw shaft into linear motion of the moving body, which then rotates the angle adjusting lever to change the air knife angle. This dynamic mechanism enables smooth continuous adjustment within the limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the air knife angle is not accurately measured during working processes, then production efficiency is reduced, but accurate measurement is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidangle measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scale indicator provides visual feedback on the angle adjustment position. As the angle adjusting lever rotates, the scale indicator moves along the scale to indicate the current angle setting, allowing operators to accurately measure and control the air knife angle during working processes, thereby improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a complex angle adjustment mechanism is introduced to enable smooth adjustment in narrow space, then the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustment smoothnessVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw shaft serves multiple functions: it provides the rotating connection between the bracket and moving body, acts as the driving element for the moving body, and serves as the rotational axis for the angle adjusting lever. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining smooth adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 smooth adjustment and accurate measurement of the air knife's angle, enhancing production efficiency by minimizing interference and improving operational precision.

Implementation Method 1

a screw shaft provided at the fixing body such that the screw shaft is capable of being rotated around an axis of a vertical direction, the screw shaft being configured to be rotated by a shaft driving unit; a moving body that is screw coupled to the screw shaft, the moving body being capable of moving in the vertical direction according to a rotation direction of the screw shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

an angle adjusting lever provided with a first end portion coupled to the first gas supply pipe, the angle adjusting lever being provided with a second end portion connected to the moving body through a power transmission unit, wherein the power transmission unit may be configured to rotate the angle adjusting lever by transmitting a moving force of the moving body to the angle adjusting lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

elastic members for accurate positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4309803A1Air knife system having angle adjusting apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 SAMWOOECO CO LTD
  • EP4309803A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4309803A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4309803A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Proposed is an air knife system having an angle adjusting apparatus. When a screw shaft is rotated, a moving body is moved in a vertical direction, and an angle adjusting lever receives a moving force of the moving body through a shaft member, a rotating body, and a movable rail, so that the angle adjusting lever is rotated with respect to a pipe center. In this process, the rotating body is moved together with the moving body and is rotated around the shaft member, and the movable rail is rotated together with the rotating body and is spaced apart or is approached to the pipe center. Therefore, the angle adjusting lever rotates a first gas supply pipe, and changes a vertical angle of an air knife with respect to a plated steel sheet.