Cyclic Flattening Device for Flexible Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for flattening flexible animal skins, such as those used in industrial tanning, are either bulky, expensive, and ineffective in achieving uniform flattening, particularly in limited spaces, and can damage the skins, while current automated systems do not guarantee complete removal of folds which can lead to defects in the final product.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two elements that move in cyclic translation along closed curves, pressing the skin against a support while moving apart to locally stretch and flatten it, ensuring symmetrical movement to avoid damage and achieve uniform flattening without tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional flattening devices with conveyor belts and flaps are used, then skins can be stretched and flattened, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and complex in construction
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent elements that can move cyclically, allowing each element to function separately while working in coordination. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure compared to conventional systems with multiple flaps and conveyor belts, while maintaining effective flattening capability through the coordinated motion of the two elements
Solution Approach 2:
The elements perform cyclic translational movements along closed curves, dynamically adjusting their positions to press and stretch the skin intermittently. This dynamic motion replaces the static or continuously moving conventional systems, achieving effective flattening with simpler mechanical components
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional flattening devices with multiple flaps are used, then skins can be stretched, but the risk of damaging the skins increases due to transverse scraping over large surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flattening action is applied locally and intermittently as the two elements pass through their cyclic trajectories, rather than continuously across the entire skin surface. This localized action reduces the cumulative scraping effect that causes damage in conventional systems, while still achieving uniform flattening through repeated localized stretching cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The elements perform periodic cyclic movements, pressing and stretching the skin at regular intervals during their trajectories. This periodic action allows the skin to recover between stretching cycles, reducing cumulative damage while maintaining flattening effectiveness through repeated gentle stretching rather than continuous aggressive scraping
3Productivity
If automated introduction devices with conveyor belts are used, then operator safety is improved and repeatability increases, but complete removal of folds is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary stretching actions on the skin before it enters the main processing area. By applying cyclic pressing and stretching forces in advance, the device prepares the skin by removing folds and creating a uniformly flattened surface, ensuring that subsequent processing operations can proceed without defects from residual folds
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 device effectively removes folds from flexible membranes, ensuring a high-quality, uniformly flattened surface that can be processed without damage, improving the quality and profitability of industrial tanning operations by allowing for efficient integration into existing tannery machinery.
Implementation Method 1
at least two elements (2a, 2b) each designed to move in translation cyclically according to a respective trajectory describing a respective closed curve, said respective movements in cyclic translation of said two elements being at least partly symmetrical so that said two elements come simultaneously and intermittently to press said membrane (12) against a support (1) while moving away from one another to locally stretch said membrane (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
- Device for flattening a flexible membrane. - The invention relates to a device (13) for flattening a flexible membrane (12), of the type made of animal skin, comprising: - at least two elements (2a, 2b), each designed to move in cyclic translation along a respective trajectory describing a respective closed curve, said respective cyclic translational movements of said two elements (2a, 2b) being at least partially symmetrical so that said two elements (2a, 2b) simultaneously and intermittently press said membrane (12) against a support (1) while moving away from each other to locally stretch said membrane (12). - The invention also relates to an associated method for flattening a flexible membrane.