Apparatus and method for fixing a material

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for fixing materials, such as large cloths and planar metals, before treatment are cumbersome, pose safety hazards, and risk damage to the materials due to lack of precision and control, especially during cutting or marking processes.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using a magnetic fixing band and substrate with retraction means, allowing the band to transition between a fixed state and a rolled-up state, utilizing magnetic forces for secure and precise material fixation, reducing operator risk, and enabling easy handling and precise treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transverse bands or rods are used to fix the material, then the material can be held in place during treatment, but the operator's fingers or arms can be caught in the apparatus creating a serious work hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial fixation stabilityVSAvoidoperator safety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transverse bands or rods with a magnetic field-based fixing system. The magnetic field exerts force on the material to hold it in place without physical contact, eliminating the pinching hazard while maintaining fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the fixing apparatus and the material. This magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that holds the material securely without requiring direct mechanical contact that could trap operator body parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual handling and transverse bands are used for fixing, then the material can be secured, but the process is cumbersome, tiring and requires large factory space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial fixationVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces cumbersome manual handling and mechanical band systems with an automated magnetic field-based fixing system. The material is automatically drawn onto the drum by magnetic attraction, eliminating manual effort and simplifying the operation while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic fixing system is self-acting in that the magnetic field automatically draws the material onto the drum and holds it in place without requiring manual adjustment or intervention. The system serves itself by using the magnetic field to both position and secure the material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If transverse bands or rods are used to fix the material, then the material can be held during treatment, but the bands or rods can damage the often valuable materials during the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial fixation stabilityVSAvoidmaterial damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based mechanical fixing with a non-contact magnetic field system. The magnetic field holds the material securely during treatment without physical contact, eliminating the risk of damage from bands or rods while maintaining fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated solutions are implemented for material fixing, then productivity can be improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing process efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical automated fixing systems with a simpler magnetic field-based system. The magnetic field provides automated fixing functionality without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby improving productivity while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic fixing method provides a safe, precise, and simple solution for material fixation, minimizing damage to the material and reducing operator hazards, while allowing for clear oversight of the working area and efficient processing.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing band in the fixing state is fixed to the substrate by a magnetic force between the magnetic material of the fixing band and the magnetic material of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3747608B1Apparatus and method for fixing a material

Publication Date: 2022.11.09 VKR HOLDING AS

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AI summary

The apparatus (1) for fixing a predefined length of a material comprises a substrate (2), a fixing band (8) and retraction means (7). The fixing band (8) can be moved between two states, a fixing state wherein the fixing band is fixed to the substrate (2) by a magnetic force between the substrate and the fixing band, the fixing state being for fixing a predefined length of a material between the fixing band and the substrate, and a rolled-up state wherein the fixing band is rolled from the fixing state by having the retraction means applying a retraction force.